World War II Honoree

John A. Benedetto

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Americo V. Vasso

Relationship

Friend

Private First Class. He was part of the 29th Marines activated at Camp Lejeune, New River, North Carolina on May 1, 1944. In August he traveled to Guadalcanal and from October 1944 through February 1945 received vigorous training in preparation for the invasion of Okinawa. From March 1-6 he was aboard ship engaged in amphibious landing rehearsals. On March 15 the division reimbarked for Ulithi, a little atoll in the Caroline Islands where the task force was assembling for the invasion. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, he landed on Okinawa with the 6th Marine Division, 29th Marines, 3rd Battalion, G Company. On April 8, the Division moved out in three columns. On April 10 the Third Battalion was at Toguchi and had been hit by enemy artillery and fire near Awa. It was during this fight that he was wounded and on April 12, he died of his wounds. After the war, he was brought home and buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.