HECTOR A. CAFFERATA JR.
Private
United States Marine Corps Reserve
Hector served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
On November 28, 1950, in a Country called Korea, in The Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, he was awarded "The Congressional Medal of Honor" for his actions against enemy forces.
Eleven Heroes would receive the Medal of Honor during this battle that lasted from November 27 to December 6, 1950. "The fighting at the Chosin Reservoir was the most violent small unit fighting in the history of American warfare to that date. No other operation compared with the fighting by the 1st Marine Division, the U.S. Army, and the British Royal Marines," Gen. S.L.A. Marshall.
For a 10 day period from November 27 to December 6, 1950, these fighting units under sub-zero winter conditions, fought 4 major battles against North Korean and Chinese Communist troops, that had surrounded their positions. Fighting their way out, they withdrew intact, while remaining an effective fighting force.
Hector Cafferata Jr's
Medal of Honor Citation reads
Private Hector A. Cafferata
United States Marine Corps Reserve
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifleman with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division(Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 November 1950. When all other members of his fire team became casualties, creating a gap in the lines, during the initial phase of a vicious attack launched by a fanatical enemy of regimental strength against his company's hill position, Private Cafferata waged a lone battle with grenades and rifle fire as the attack gained momentum and the enemy threatened penetration through the gap and endangered the integrity of the entire defensive perimeter. Making a target of himself under the devastating fire from automatic weapons, rifles, grenades and mortars, he maneuvered up and down the line and delivered accurate and effective fire against the onrushing force, killing fifteen, wounding many more and forcing the others to withdraw so that reinforcements could move up and consolidate the position. Again fighting desperately against a renewed onslaught later that same morning when a hostile grenade landed in a shallow entrenchment occupied by wounded Marines, Private Cafferata rushed into the gully under heavy fire, seized the deadly missile in his right hand and hurled it free of his comrades before it detonated, severing part of one finger and seriously wounding him in the right hand and arm. Courageously ignoring the intense pain, he staunchly fought on until he was struck by a sniper's bullet and forced to submit to evacuation for medical treatment. Stouthearted and indomitable, Private Cafferata, by his fortitude, great personal valor and dauntless perseverance in the face of almost certain death, saved the lives of several of his fellow Marines and contributed essentially to the success achieved by his company in maintaining its defensive position against tremendous odds. His extraordinary heroism throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Harry S. Truman
President of the United States
One of Alpha, New Jersey's Favorite Sons and Respected Residents
