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| Paul Balducci, 28th Marine Regiment, earned the Navy Cross on Iwo Jima. |
Paul was born on December 16, 1918 in Cook County, Illinois. His parents Paulo and Nuncia were likely immigrants from Italy. I could not find the family in census records.
Paul enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1937. I was unable to find any details of his pre-war service, but he eventually was assigned to the 28th Marine Regiment, which was activated in February 1944 at Camp Pendleton. Upon completion of initial training, the regiment sailed for Hawaii and remained there for the next four months training for their first combat assignment. In October 1944, planning began for the invasion of Iwo Jima, and the 28th Marines, part of the 5th Marine Division, began two months of intensive training for the amphibious assault on the volcanic island. The 28th Marines set sail from Pearl Harbor on January 7, 1945 and arrived off the coast of Iwo Jima on February 16.
The 28th Marines landed on Iwo Jima at Green Beach just after 0900 on February 19, 1945. Sgt. Balducci served as platoon sergeant of Company F of the 2nd Battalion, which was among the first units to go ashore. The 28th Marines had to fight their way through hundreds of layered and mutually supporting Japanese pillboxes, blockhouses, spiderholes, and strongpoints. Sgt Balducci was killed in action on February 21 during the assault on Mount Suribachi. Two days later, marines from the 2nd Battalion raised the U.S. flag from the summit of Mount Suribachi. Sgt. Balducci was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the military’s second highest decoration awarded for valor in combat. His citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Paul B. Balducci (MCSN: 260075), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as an Acting Rifle Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945.
Assuming command of his platoon when the leader became a casualty during a savage exchange of hand grenades with the Japanese, Platoon Sergeant Balducci reorganized his unit and initiated a determined attack against the hostile forces at the base of Mount Suribachi. Courageously exposing himself to enemy fire to determine the location of hidden machine-gun and mortar nests holding up his company's front, he personally destroyed two machine-gun nests with hand grenades and contributed to the destruction of five mortar pits and connecting trenches before he fell, mortally wounded.
His bold leadership, gallant conduct and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Balducci and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Paul Bernardo Balducci was originally buried in the Fifth Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima. He is now memorialized in Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Thank you Paul for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Paul.
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This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."
Last year on this date I profiled Howard Merrill, who died aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. You can read about Howard here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Paul Bernardo Balducci was originally buried in the Fifth Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima. He is now memorialized in Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Thank you Paul for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Paul.
_____
This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."
Last year on this date I profiled Howard Merrill, who died aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. You can read about Howard here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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From a brother resident of Cook County, I want to sincerely thank Sgt. Balducci for his incredible service to our country. Semper Fi, Marine.
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