Joseph Vittori

Who was Joseph Vittori?

Corporal Joseph Vittori was a 22-year old United States Marine who was killed in action during the Korean War.

After serving 3 years in the Marine Corps he returned home, joined the Marine Corps Reserve and worked various jobs around his home town. His unit was called to active duty to participate in the Korean war and after attending some training they were sent to Korea.

He was killed during the Battle of the Punchbowl while defending against an assault on Hill 749 near Songnea-dong, Korea on the night of September 15–16, 1951. He was fatally wounded while fighting off an enemy breakthrough at a gap in his battalion’s lines. He was the 19th Marine to earn the nation’s highest decoration for heroism in Korea. For his actions he posthumously received the Medal of Honor.