Reginald B. Desiderio
Captain, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Reginald B. Desiderio was born on 12 September 1918 in Clairton, PA. Reginald attended and graduated from Gilroy High School. He was a good athlete and played on the football and basketball teams.

He entered the U.S. Army at Gilroy, CA, and planned to return there to open a business after the war. He was a Captain in the Army during the Korean War and was killed in action on 27 November 1950. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Medal of Honor

Rank and Organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Commanding Officer, Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Place and Date: Near Ipsok, Korea, 27 November 1950

G.O. No.: 58, 2 August 1951

Citation:

Capt. Desiderio distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His company was given the mission of defending the command post of a task force against an enemy breakthrough. After personal reconnaissance during darkness and under intense enemy fire, he placed his men in defensive positions to repel an attack. Early in the action he was wounded, but refused evacuation and despite enemy fire continued to move among his men checking their positions and making sure that each element was prepared to receive the next attack. Again wounded, he continued to direct his men. By his inspiring leadership he encouraged them to hold their position. In the subsequent fighting when the fanatical enemy succeeded in penetrating the position, he personally charged them with carbine, rifle, and grenades, inflicting many casualties until he himself was mortally wounded. His men, spurred on by his intrepid example, repelled this final attack. Capt. Desiderio's heroic leadership, courageous and loyal devotion to duty, and his complete disregard for personal safety reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Other Medals and Awards

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Captain Desiderio also received the following:

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart

Honors

The United States Army Reserve Center on Westminster Drive in Pasadena, CA, is named in his honor.

The airfield at USAG Humphreys (ICAO: RKSG) in Pyongtaek, South Korea, is named in his honor.

Death and Burial

He died on 27 November 1950 and is buried in San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, CA.