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USMC p41 UNIS marked x2 WIA Saipan and Iwo Jima


4thraiders
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Shown in the pictures followings Sgt. Rotolo is his UNIS marked p41. Sgt. Frank Rotolo was a “fire team leader/ rifle squad leader” (MOS 737) for Company I, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division.

During Rotolo’s time in the Marine Corps he would see action in multiple battles. The first battle Frank would see was the Battle of Kwajalein at Kwajalein Atoll from the 31st of January to the 3rd of February of 1944. Six months later would participate in the Amphibious assault of Saipan on June 15th, 1944. Rotolo would land in Blue Sector and fight in the battle for only a day as he was wounded in action the next day, June 16th, by Shrapnel wounds to the back( see casualty card). Sgt Rotolo would receive a Purple Heart Citation for his wounds on Saipan. Sgt. Rotolo’s request for a Bronze Star in that first or second day of battle would be rejected. This could be because no officer was there to witness the act, the unfortunate side of unseen valor. After recovering Sgt. Rotolo would join back with his unit to train for the Amphibious assault of a small volcanic island called Iwo Jima. Sgt. Rotolo would land on yellow beach into ferocious fighting and and all out chaos, not to mention the incredibly unforgiving terrain. Sgt. Rotolo would fight though the Battle of Iwo Jima until the 2nd of March, 1945, when he was shot in the right hand. Sgt Rotolo would revive a gold star in Lieu of his first Purple Heart citation as well as a Letter of Commendation. The Letter Commendation speaks of Sgt. Rotolo’s heroism and capabilities in setting up a defensive position that would annihilate enemy troops attempting to break his lines. From the sounds of it he an inspiring leader even under heavy machine gun and rifle fire.

 

 

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