Joseph Michael D'Angelico

The database page for Joseph Michael D'Angelico

Joe was killed in action on 2 January 1970 on a ridge that juts out towards the South China Sea (East of Duc Pho), in one of the first battles of the New Year. It all started in December of 69. Joe was crossing a river when he got swept under and nearly drowned. 2LT Robert C. Wright, an Artillery Forward Observer with Bravo 4/3 Infantry, rescued Joe. On 25 December 1969, B/4/3rd Infantry, began an offensive "search and destroy" mission in the coastal area around the small town of Duc Pho. Sizeable enemy forces were known to be in the area, and signs of them were everywhere, but little direct contact was made during the first week of the operation. At 1400 (2 PM), 01 Jan 1970, B Company was directed to plan to take up a Night Defensive Position (NDP) in a location which would allow them to join with D Company not later than 0900 on 02 January. The Company Commander decided that the high ground of Hill 285 near Duc Pho would be suitable for the NDP. Bravo 4/3 arrived at Hill 285 before sundown and settled in. At 2030 (8:30 PM) the enemy struck Bravo 4/3 with vigor, using mortar and ground forces. The battle raged through much of the night before the enemy withdrew at 0430 on 02 Jan. Although the NVA/VC force had suffered a major defeat and heavy casualties, seven Americans were dead and 10 wounded. Killed in action were 2LT Robert C. Wright, A/6/11 Arty CPL Tanner M. Brown, B/3/4Inf CPL Raul Garcia, B/4/3 Inf CPL Dallas R. Snodgrass, B/4/3 Inf SP4 Joseph M. D'Angelico, B/4/3 Inf SP4 Frank M. Dunsmore, B/4/3 Inf PFC Steven L. Green, HHC/4/3 Inf Joey D'Angelico was my brother-in-law. Visit Joey's memorial pages at http://dangelico.home.att.net/intro.html .

A memorial initiated by his brother-in-law, Dan Marvin CMSgt USAF (Ret), 66-96, Danang 68-69 dangelico@att.net  25 Apr 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)