Dominic N. Scatuorchio, Jr. was born on December 15, 1947, to Dominic, Sr. and Eileen. His home of record is Spring Lake, NJ. He had three brothers, Brian, Patrick and Sean. He graduated from St. Catherine’s School and St. Rose High School. Dominic had entered St. Rose in the middle of his junior year in high school. He was so personable that later that same year, he was voted Class President of the Senior Class. Dominic played soccer and enjoyed playing a 12-string guitar. His fellow classmates at St. Rose enjoyed singing folk songs while Dominic played. On Friday night, a group of classmates would drive around Belmar and Spring Lake listening to Jean Shepherd’s radio show.

Dominic was a volunteer at the Kennedy Center for Special Children in Washington, DC. In 1967, after completing his sophomore year at Catholic University, Dominic enlisted in the US Army where he attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO).

Scatuorchio received helicopter training and was sent to Vietnam in 1968. He spent one year in combat, returned home, and volunteered to return to Vietnam for 6 months. He was killed in action on March 10, 1970, at 22 years of age.

Scatuorchio received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart and Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Scatuorchio’s Air Medal citation reads:
For distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight in support of combat ground forces of the Republic of Vietnam during the period – 25 July 1969 to 10 March 1970.
During this time he actively participated in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. During all of these missions he displayed the highest order of air discipline and acted in accordance with the best traditions of the service. By his determination to accomplish his mission in spite of the hazards inherent in repeated aerial flights over hostile territory and by his outstanding degree of professionalism and devotion to duty, he has brought credit upon himself, his organization, and the military service.

Scatuorchio’s Army Commendation Medal reads:
For the performance of exceptionally meritorious service in support of the United States objectives in the counterinsurgency effort in the Republic of Vietnam during the period
19 October 1960 to 25 January 1970 through his outstanding professional competence and devotion to duty he consistently obtained superior results. Working long and arduous hours, he set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. The loyalty, initiative and will to succeed that he demonstrated at all time materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the mission of this command.
His performance was in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the military service.

Sources: Patrick Scatuorchio (brother), John Mulshine (friend) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024