John W. Antonelli
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John William Antonelli | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 30, 1917 Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | March 26, 1999 (aged 81) Norwood, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Marine Corps |
| Service years | 1940–1968 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands | 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines 4th Marine Regiment Marine Corps Base Quantico |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Legion of Merit Purple Heart |
John William Antonelli (May 30, 1917 – March 26, 1999) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps brigadier general. He was awarded the Navy Cross during the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
Marine Raiders
John W. Antonelli was born on May 30, 1917, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1940, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.[1]
Antonelli was initially assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Soon after the United States entered World War II, 1/5 was re-designated as the 1st Separate Battalion in January 1942, and then re-designated again as the 1st Marine Raider Battalion the following month. First Lieutenant Antonelli deployed to Samoa with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion in April.[1]
In May, Antonelli was promoted to captain. He then led a raider company during the battles of Tulagi and Guadalcanal from August to October 1942. When the Marine Raider Battalions were disbanded in early 1944, Major Antonelli was assigned as the commanding officer of the newly activated 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division.[1]
Battle of Iwo Jima
On February 19, 1945, Major Antonelli led his battalion in the amphibious landing on Red Beach One at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. On March 9, his battalion became pinned down by heavy enemy fire and was unable to advance. Antonelli moved forward of the front lines to observe the enemy and was wounded. He was evacuated to a field hospital after completing his mission and issuing the orders necessary for his Marines to resume the assault.[2]
Despite his wounds, Major Antonell left the field hospital on two occasions to return to his battalion and lead his Marines in further combat. He was later evacuated to a hospital ship on March 16 in order to prevent his wounds from becoming more infected. For his actions during the battle, Major Antonelli was awarded the Navy Cross.[1][2]
In May, Antonelli was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He later took part in the occupation of Japan after the war ended.[1]