Alexander Santilli
"The Saint"
Marine Corps Reserve | Service Number O-15697
January 28, 1920
in Everett, MA
Ersilia (DeFelice) Santilli / Tenaglia
Stepfather, Francesco Tenaglia
Everett High School (1938)
Fordham University (1942)
Recent college graduate
Draft pick for Philadelphia Eagles
March 23, 1942 (enlisted)
October 17, 1942 (commissioned)
January 18, 1943
from HQ Company, 24th Marines
July 8, 1944
Killed in action at Saipan
July 8, 1944
Killed in action
4 Montrose Street, Everett, MA – home of mother, Mrs. Elsie Tenaglia
Service & Campaigns
Enlisted at New York, NY, on 23 March 1942; assigned inactive duty with Platoon Leader’s Unit, Third Reserve District, New York. To active duty 31 July 1942; transferred to Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, as an officer candidate with Tenth Candidates Class. Commissioned 17 October 1942 and sent to Reserve Officers School for additional training as infantry platoon leader.
Joined Dog Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River, North Carolina, 18 January 1943.
Outfit: D/1/24th Marines (3rd MG Platoon)
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon Leader)
Outfit: C/1/24th Marines (MG Platoon)
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon Leader)
Important Events:
June 22, 1944 – wounded in action (blast concussion); exact circumstances unknown. Evacuated to rear.
June 24, 1944 – returned to duty
July 8, 1944 – killed in action (multiple gunshot wounds) by concealed Japanese gun
July 9, 1944 – buried in Plot E, Row 9, Grave 11, Second Marine Division Cemetery
Awarded the Silver Star Medal for actions on the above dates:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Alexander Santilli (MCSN: 0-15607), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to a Marine Rifle Company of the First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan Island, Marianas Group, on 22 June 1944. When a unit on his left had been cut off and was suffering heavy casualties, First Lieutenant Santilli courageously and unhesitatingly led his platoon against the enemy and, successfully beating down hostile resistance, enabled the unit to return to its own lines. In a subsequent engagement, he directed his men against a Japanese pocket of resistance, continuing his heroic efforts until mortally wounded. By his fearless and inspiring leadership, First Lieutenant Santilli was largely responsible for the success of his platoon in wiping out stubborn Japanese resistance, and his valiant conduct and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Individual Decorations
Medal
Silver Star
Purple Heart
– with Gold Star
Campaign
Saipan (July 8, 1944)
Saipan (June 22, 1944)
Saipan (July 8, 1944)
They had piles of sugarcane they were harvesting, like farmers do. All at once, one of the piles opened up, and there were men underneath it. They killed Santilli, and they killed Sergeant Buller. They were shot within seconds of each other.
