World War II Honoree

Alexander Costella

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Bronx, New York

Honored By

Alexander Costella

Relationship

Self

ENLISTED ON APRIL 2, 1943. BOOT CAMP AT PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA. QUALIFIED AS RIFLE SHARPSHOOTER, PISTOL, MACHINE GUN AND MORTARS. PROMOTED TO CORPORAL AND SQUAD LEADER OF A MORTAR PLATOON. BOARDED TROOPSHIP AND SAILED TO NEW CALEDONIA. ARRIVED AT PAVUVU ISLAND TO BE REPLACEMENTS FOR THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION. LANDED AT PELELIU, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944 WHERE OVER 66 PERCENT CASUALTIES OCCURRED. LANDED ON OKINAWA APRIL 1, 1945. WOUNDED IN ACTION JUNE 4, 1945 ON OKINAWA. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART. FINAL DESTINATION WAS TIENTSIN, CHINA TO PROTECT CHINESE FROM THE COMMUNISTS. THAT WAS THE END OF THE FIGHTING FOR HIS OUTFIT; 1ST MARINE DIVISION, 1ST MARINE REGIMENT, 1ST BATTALION, A COMPANY AND FOR HIM.