European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - September 9, 1980, Darmstadt, Hesse Lye did re mid k. Of re inn t Vic bul this Navy via the Marine corp commandant and the chief of naval up Era ions. He pointed out paragraph 1 which stated the Board recommend it Anthony Cua Menio former carport191118, usic be it girded the Media of Honor. The endorsement also noted that Casamento s actions were considered in accordance with the awards critic Ria in effect at the time of the action for which he is recommended and that Casamento s statement of his actions As corroborated by Wom statements from eyewitnesses. Qualifies him for the award of the medal of it also confirmed that the then retired col. Skoczylas had testified that had corroborated statements of Casa Inenio s actions been available to him immediately follow ing the action anal he would have recommended Casa Mcmo for the medal of the endorsement suggested that in View of the elapsed time in this Case the legs aspects be reviewed by the judge advocate general. Tony does t want to Hurt or insult anyone said mrs. Casamento but alien he Learned All this he knew he could t give up. When a Board says you us Steve the medal of Honor and somewhere along the lint it gets shot Down and they try to push off another medal on you something is very enter congressman to be Downey who had been a supporter of the former Marine since 1973 when he was a Suffolk county . Legislator. At the time Downe told Casamento ill do everything 1 can to help you but honestly what you really need on your Side is a congressman Fintley Downey himself did gel to congram. He sponsored a Prole Bill supported by new York s to senator which would unite the to lira limitation and make Cnown Enlo eligible for Ibe medal of Honor As Rosalie Cip Oita Downey s administrative assistant explains it the president agreed with the legislation signed it but said that Casamento still had in administrative recourse that he should pursue namely the Board for the correction of Navy records. So after 16 Yean of fighting for his medal Casamento appeared on july it before the Navy Board. With him were his wife Downey and a pair of witnesses to the Guadalcanal combat who were close enough to attest to Casar Ento s exploit carmelo Conti who witnessed the Battle from a nearby Ridge and Herbert Young a Mem Ber of a Marine unit whose Bayonet charge finally res cued their wounded Comrade. Ciaverelli and Tortorici were in ill health but sent sworn testimony. The Case waa presented to the three Man Board by Frank Henry Semor counsel of the american legion. When he finished Hia Brief said mrs. Casamento there were plenty of people with tears in their eyes including at least one member of the Board. We knew then thai if there was any Julke at All. Tony would get the medal of she was , on Friday the Cas amends with daughters Jane 27, Ann is Mary 17, and Katherine 14, will be at the White House for the awarding of the medal far who i Caw Menio nearly lost his life in 1942, and for which he has spent the Latt 16 years in a determined and Suc pcs fut Effort. In won t Bihe first time cum into and the president Bate Seta Eich other. When 1 was outside the White House picketing he recalled the president drove through the front Gate and we were about nine feel from each their next meeting will be More forma when he president of the United Suici confers upon Anthony Casamento the medal of Honor. The stars and stripes Page 15
