Cpl Anthony Casamento
U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Marine Division, 5th Marines, 1st Battalion, Company D
Medal of Honor at Matanikau on Guadalcanal November 1, 1942

Background
Cpl. Anthony Casamento was born November 16, 1920 in New York, New York. On August 19, 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in New York City and underwent recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Assigned to the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV).

Wartime History
On August 7, 1942 landed on Guadalcanal with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines and captured the first Japanese prisoner ashore.

On November 1, 1942 leading a machine gun squad during an attack on Japanese positions near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal. His position came under heavy fire and all of his unit was killed or severely injured. Despite multiple wounds, he continued to fire his machine gun to provide supporting fire and held back the Japanese and protected the flank of other companies until he was physically unable to continue to fight. For his actions, he later earned the Medal of Honor.

Afterwards, he was moved to a medical aid station. Later, shipped back to the United States and admitted into the Naval hospital in Oakland to recover from his wounds.

Medal of Honor
For his actions, he later earned the Medal of Honor. After his actions on November 1, 1942 there were no witnesses immediately known, therefore he could not be nominated for the Medal of Honor but a push began for him to receive proper recognition. In 1964 it was learned two eyewitnesses were still alive and they were the catalyst for his nomination that would result in him earning the Medal of Honor 38 years later in 1980 from U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Medal of Honor Citation "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, in action against the enemy Japanese forces on 1 November 1942. Serving as a leader of a machine gun section, Cpl. Casamento directed his unit to advance along a ridge near the Matanikau River where they engaged the enemy. He positioned his section to provide covering fire for two flanking units and to provide direct support for the main force of his company which was behind him. During the course of this engagement, all members of his section were either killed or severely wounded and he himself suffered multiple, grievous wounds. Nonetheless, Cpl. Casamento continued to provide critical supporting fire for the attack and in defense of his position. Following the loss of all effective personnel, he set up, loaded, and manned his unit's machine gun, tenaciously holding the enemy forces at bay. Cpl. Casamento singlehandedly engaged and destroyed one machine gun emplacement to his front and took under fire the other emplacement on the flank. Despite the heat and ferocity of the engagement, he continued to man his weapon and repeatedly repulsed multiple assaults by the enemy forces, thereby protecting the flanks of the adjoining companies and holding his position until the arrival of his main attacking force. Cpl. Casamento's courageous fighting spirit, heroic conduct, and unwavering dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service."

Memorials
Casamento died July 18, 1987 at age 66 in Northport, NY. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in section 79A.

References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Anthony Casamento
FindAGrave - Anthony Casamento (photo, grave photos)
Guadalcanal's Longest Fight (2025) pages 139, 219 (footnote 30), 236 (index Medal of Honor)