THE WALL OF FACES

Anthony J. Battista
DATE OF BIRTH: 24-Nov-42
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Scranton, Pennsylvania
HOME OF RECORD:
Dunmore, Pennsylvania

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Anthony J. Battista (MCSN: 0-91530), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 April 1966. On that date, the Company was in a night defense position in Quang Nam Province, and Lieutenant Battista, Commander of the Second Platoon, was engaged in the defense of the company perimeter. Without warning the platoon came under heavy small-arms fire, automatic weapons and accurate mortar fire from a superior Viet Cong force of battalion size. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Battista moved immediately to points of crisis where he was most needed to render medical aid and encouragement, and to personally supervise the defense of his command. With full knowledge of the hazards involved, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the operations of his forces. Although seriously wounded, he declined medical aid and continued moving from positions to position inspiring his men with his dynamic leadership and courageous fighting spirit until he fell, mortally wounded by fire from an automatic weapon. By his marked courage, brilliant leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, Lieutenant Battista served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

DEAR LIEUTENANT BATTISTA,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRY OFFICER. SEMPER FI. ADVENT IS HERE, AND CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. THE NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Tony, I remember you today as if it were yesterday. We had many very happy memories that we only knew about. I wish I could have told you then but now it's too late. But please know that in my heart ,you have a very special and privet spot that only you and I and God know about. Sorry about the misspelled word but you knew me and know that my mind was always more on you than I can say. Please rest in peace Tony and know that I have never stopped loving you since the day I met you and wish I had said that many many years ago. I was too afraid to tell anyone how I really felt about you then, so please forgive me for still loving you even today and always. I miss you Tony and I'll never stop missing you or loving you until we meet again. And yes I was upset when you got married.

Knew Tony well, was part of his honor guard when he was returned of U.S. He was a great guy, classmate and Marine. Visited the wall and touched his name, very emotional time for me. His loss was truly a tremoundous loss for the world, US and the Marines. Semper Fi!

I'm a USAF Vietnam Veteran who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Tony was a classmate at University of Louisville. I didn't know him well but we were in Navy ROTC together for a time until I dropped it. I well remember the Louisville newspaper photo of his wedding, with the Arch of Sabers, around Christmas, 1965. His death in Vietnam just four months later was shattering news. I've got a small copy of his yearbook photo in our home, located where it's viewed all the time. That kind, gentle countenance causes me to ponder. 50 years ago today, in the prime of life he was sacrificed while I was allowed to live. My wife and I pray often for the repose of his soul.