Austin Roger Brunelli

Appointed second lieutenant on 4 June 1931, after graduation from the US Naval Academy. Additional training at the Basic School, Philadelphia Navy Yard; duty at Naval Prison Detachment, Marine Barracks Parris Island from July 1932 to March 1934. Assigned to the Marine detachment aboard USS Lexington through June 1935. Applied for training as a naval aviator in January 1936, but left in December 1946 without completing the program.

Began promising career as a military aide, first to BGEN James J. Meade (January – May 1937), then MGEN James C. Breckenridge, commanding MCB Quantico through June 1938. Appointed commanding officer of Marine detachment aboard USS New Orleans, aboard or at sea through May 1940.

In July 1940, appointed as aide to USMC Commandant Thomas Holcomb. While usually stationed in Washington, DC, he accompanied Holcomb on a tour of the southwest Pacific in late 1942, including stops at Midway and Guadalcanal. Served as Commandant’s aide through June 1943, at which time sent to Command and Staff College, Quantico. Upon completion of training, transferred to Camp Pendleton, California, to join Third Battalion, 24th Marines, Fourth Marine Division. On 9 October 1943, appointed battalion commander.

As CO of BLT 3-24, participated in the battle of Roi-Namur. Slightly wounded in action on 1 February 1944 by grenade fragments in right leg. Awarded the Legion of Merit for service in the campaign:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Austin Roger Brunelli (MCSN: 0-4640), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of an Assault Landing Team in the capture of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1 – 2 February 1944. On the morning of 1 February, there were available only about sixty percent of the landing craft required for his assault units; this necessitated major changes in the plans and organization for the landing. Absorbing a company sent to support his landing force, he quickly and skillfully reorganized his unit on the line of departure. Upon landing he quickly gained control of the landing units and under his vigorous leadership the landing team reached its first objective promptly. Later that afternoon the landing team participated in a coordinated attack; overrunning fortified and entrenched positions. At dawn next morning a strong counter attack by fanatical Japanese was repulsed and, later, his unit played an important part in the final assault to wipe out the last enemy resistance. Under his inspiring leadership, his landing team distinguished itself in its first engagement by its vigorous action and will to close with the enemy. His skillful and inspiring leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

In spring of 1944, appointed executive officer of the 24th Marines. Served in that capacity during training and first three days of Saipan campaign. on 18 June 1944, temporarily attached to the First Battalion, 24th Marines, as commanding officer, following death of LtCol. Maynard C. Schultz.

Outfit: HQ/1/24th Marines
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
MOS: Battalion commander (temporary)
Important Events: 
June 18, 1944 – joined from H&S Company, 24th Marines, replacing Lt. Col. Maynard C. Schultz (KIA)
June 22, 1944 – notably made a personal reconnaissance of his lines, maintaining contact with other units in the face of heavy fire
June 28, 1944 – made a second personal reconnaissance prior to launching a successful counterattack
July 4, 1944 – returned to H&S Company, 24th Marines, as executive officer. Battalion command passed to Lt. Col. Otto Lessing. 

Awarded the Silver Star Medal for service on Saipan:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Austin Roger Brunelli (MCSN: 0-4640), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 18 June to 4 July 1944. A daring and courageous leader, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli boldly led his men against heavily fortified hostile positions and, engaging the enemy in furious combat, succeeded in gaining bitterly contested terrain. When two of his companies were reduced in strength by heavy Marine casualties and were forced to withdraw a short distance from the assigned objective after a day of continuous assault over almost impassable ground, he promptly made a personal reconnaissance in the face of savage fire and, skillfully reestablishing his lines, resumed contact with the adjacent units, thereby insuring the success of the day’s operations. Later on 28 and 29 June, when his battalion was ordered to fill a dangerous gap between two units, he again reconnoitered under enemy fire and, effectively directing his forces into position, launched a daring and successful attack. By his fearless leadership, cool courage and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of strong Japanese resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli contributed to the success of our forces on Saipan, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: HQ/1/24th Marines
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
MOS: Battalion commander (temporary)
Important Events: 
February 20, 1945 (with H&S Company) – slightly wounded in action (shrapnel, right cheek); evacuated to unknown vessel. Returned to duty.

March 9, 1945 – joined from H&S Company, 24th Marines, replacing Major Paul S. Treitel (relieved). Reorganized battalion into two companies led by Majors Irving Schechter and Milton G. Cokin.
March 18, 1945 – returned to H&S Company, 24th Marines, as executive officer. Battalion command passed to Major Horace C. Parks.

Awarded the Navy Cross for actions on Iwo Jima:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Austin Roger Brunelli (MCSN: 0-4640), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 8 to 16 March 1945. When he returned to duty after being wounded and evacuated, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli assumed command of the Battalion which had suffered heavy casualties and, making a personal reconnaissance of his entire front lines, reorganized his badly depleted units into two rifle companies. Restoring the fighting spirit of his men and resuming the attack in coordination with units on his flanks, he contributed materially to the substantial gains of his Battalion against the fanatical resistance of their general advance in the face of intense hostile fire until the resistance of the enemy was completely overcome. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Returned to H&S Company, 24th Marines 19 March, 1945; served as regimental executive officer through 1 October 1945. Transferred to HQ Company, Fourth Service Battalion as company commander.

In January 1946, to Camp Lejeune for duty with base headquarters through October 1946. Attended Amphibious Warfare School at MCB Quantico; graduated in May 1947 and appointed assistant director of the Basic School, Quantico. In June 1950, promoted to colonel and assigned to staff of Commander, Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet. Duty in Coronado, California; Japan, and Korea. Served as chief of staff for the First Marine Division in combat from March – October 1952. Awarded a second Legion of Merit for service in Korea:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Austin Roger Brunelli (MCSN: 0-4640), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of a Marine Division during operations against the enemy in Korea from 23 March to 20 August 1952. Colonel Brunelli exhibited the highest in professional proficiency in the performance of staff functioning, he worked long and strenuous hours with complete disregard for his personal fatigue, skillfully coordinating the work of the general and special staff groups. With keen foresight, he supervised the preparation of plans and orders which resulted in promoting the combat efficiency of the Division. By his initiative and devotion to duty, he conducted a continuous study of the situation whereby he was at all times prepared for future contingencies, which was of inestimable aid to the Commanding General. Colonel Brunelli, by his skillful supervision and coordination of the Staff and his sound professional judgment, contributed immeasurably to the success of the Division. His highly competent service and exemplary conduct throughout the period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Returned to United States in November 1952 and resumed duty with Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet through July 1955. Appointed to the office of Joint Chiefs of Staff; promoted to brigadier general om August 1956. Served as assistant commander of Second Marine Division at Camp Lejeune through April 1958; commander of Camp Lejeune, and Landing Force Training Unit, Amphibious Training Command, Atlantic Fleet.

Retired on 1 July 1962, after 31 years of service.