Frank Andrisano, Jr. was born on July 30, 1947, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Andrisano. His home of record is Bayonne, NJ. He had eight sisters, Patricia, Annette, Lucielle, Frances, Angelina, Louise, Mary and Kathy, and two brothers, Damian and Anthony. Frank attended Lincoln School and graduated from Bayonne High School in June 1966.
Andrisano entered the US Marine Corps in July 1966, and arrived in Vietnam in January 1967, attaining the rank of Corporal (CPL).
Andrisano was killed in action while his patrol was under heavy fire in Quang Ngai, Vietnam on November 19, 1967.
Andrisano was awarded the Navy Medal of Valor for acts of bravery that saved several men in his outfit during an attack by the Viet Cong near the village of Thanh Hieu in Quang Province on March 5, 1967. He was a member of a search and destroy company taking part in a mission known as Operation DeSoto.
His Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” citation reads:
For heroic achievement while serving as a member of the Helicopter Support Team with the First Shore Party Battalion, First Marine Division in support of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division on 8 March 1967, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation Desoto, Company F was advancing toward the village of Thanh Hieu (2) in Quang Hgal Province when the lead platoon came under intense enemy fire from concealed and fortified positions. In the initial burst of enemy rifle and automatic weapons fire, several casualties were sustained. An immediate medical evacuation was requested and after a landing zone was secured, Private First Class Andrisano exposed himself to continuous Viet Cong fire to assist in guiding the evacuation helicopters into the zone. Upon completion of the initial evacuation, the Marines assaulted the enemy positions and came under concentrated fire, resulting in additional casualties. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Andrisano unhesitatingly moved into an open area and assisted in directing a second medical evacuation mission. Although the first helicopter sustained several hits and was forced to lift off only partially loaded, he maintained his hazardous position and requested a second aircraft to land, which embarked the remaining casualties. Throughout the vicious fire fight, he displayed exceptional professional ability and initiative and was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his outstanding military proficiency, resourcefulness and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Andrisano upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sources: Various websites, newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
