Paul Joseph Rossi

Enlisted 31 December 1942; promoted to Private First Class and assigned to Company B, 20th Officer Candidates’ Class, MCB Quantico, VA. Commissioned as second lieutenant on 11 March 1943, completed training with Reserve Officers’ Class at Quantico, and assigned to Headquarters Company, Fourth Service Battalion, Fourth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, in early summer 1943.

Transferred to Able Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines on 8 September 1943.

Assigned additional duty as battalion Mess Officer on 11 December 1943; remained with rear echelon at Camp Pendleton when regiment departed for Operation Flintlock. Assisted with closing battalion busines at Pendleton and establishing living quarters at Camp Maui, Hawaii. Rejoined main body of battalion at Camp Maui in February, 1944.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines (1 Platoon)
Rank: Second Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)
Important Events: 
July 3, 1944 – distinguished himself in action by coordinating the destruction of a Japanese defensive position. Awarded Bronze Star Medal for actions on this date:

On July 3, Second Lieutenant Rossi personally led his men in an attack upon a high peak. Upon reaching the objective, several of the enemy were encountered in caves. His effective direction of the placement of demolitions and use of covering fire succeeded in annihilating the enemy. His courage and coolness under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines (1 Platoon)
Rank: Second Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)
Important Events: 
July 24, 1944 – wounded in action (gunshot, right leg); exact circumstances not known. Evacuated to USS Heywood.

Campaign Narrative

Transferred to USS John Land on 27 July 1944, transported to US Naval Base Hospital #6 (Espiritu Santo) for treatment. Discharged from hospital on 14 September 1944; rejoined A/1/24th Marines at Camp Maui on 8 October 1944.

After returning to duty, transferred to Headquarters Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines for duty as Battalion Chemical Officer, Mess Officer, and Liaison. Promoted to First Lieutenant.

Remained with rear echelon at Camp Maui for Operation Detachment, serving primarily as battalion mess officer. On 9 April 1945, assumed command of HQ Company and retained that position through the end of the war.

Released from active duty on 2 January 1946; to inactive reserve. Last on muster rolls April 1953, inactive, with rank of captain.

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