UPDATE: Hero receives posthumous medals...more

Dominic Edward Lauritano was born in Phoenixville on September 10, 1920. His father, Vito, emigrated from Italy to begin his family. His dad worked for the railroad and lived at 15 Railroad St. Dominic had 3 sisters and was the oldest of two brothers. His mother, Snuello, passed away when he was eight. Dominic attended Phoenixville Memorial Junior High school, and played on the football team. Dominic was a member of the Trojan youth club (sponsored by the Rotary Club) and a member of St. Mary's church.

When the depression began, his family like so many others, faced severe financial crisis. In order to survive the children were sent to live with other relatives. Dominic had to quit school and find employment. He joined the newly formed government Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. Dominic was sent to New Mexico where worked on forest conservation and construction. He was discharged after his year's term, and returned home to Phoenixville.

In the spring of 1940, Dominic joined the Army and was sent to Panama for basic training and served two years at Fort Davis in the 14th Infantry. He returned to the United States and was appointed an instructor with the rank of Technical Sergeant.

Click the map  to see a larger version.

He volunteered for overseas duty and joined P Company of the 75th Infantry Rangers[1], better known as Merrill's Marauders. The unit became famous for their successful operations in the CBI Theater (China, Burma, India) behind the Japanese lines, and for their extremely heavy casualties[2].

Dominic was killed on June 11, 1944 in Burma, and buried in India. After the war his remains, along with other Americans buried in India, were shipped to Hawaii and were buried in a National Cemetery. 

 Dominic was awarded the Purple Heart, which due to an oversight, was not received by the family until 1974. He is survived by his three sisters, Mary, Madeline, Josephine, and his brother Vito, who also served in the Army and fought in the European Theater.

Credits:

• Researched and written by: Don Wambold WCMSC member
• Burma photo courtesy of Bob Passanisi, Merrill's Marauders Association.  Used with permission.
• Photo Retouching/Enhancement: Dave Williams

[1] During World War II, the 75th Infantry was known as  "Composite unit 5307th Provisional".  In August 1944 they became the 475th Infantry.  Then during the 1950's their designation was changed to the 75th Infantry.
     Source:  Bob Passanisi,  Merrill's Marauders Association

[2] The Marauders' kill ratio was more then a hundred to one - perhaps as high as three hundred to one. Casualties did exceed 100%, but that was due to the same man being wounded more then once. Most wounded were treated in the field and continued on.  
      Source:  Bob Passanisi,  Merrill's Marauders Association

Lauritano Receives Posthumous Medals

Congressman Robert Andrews, surrounded by Dominic's brother, Vito Lauritano and his family.

As a result of our research of the 75th/475th Infantry - A.K.A. Merrill's Merauders, it was discovered that  Dominic Lauritano and his family were owed several medals for his service to our country.

On November 11, 2002 (Veteran's Day), members of Dominic's surviving family traveled to New Jersey to meet with Congressman Robert Andrews and receive the medals in a brief ceremony.

Much thanks to Bob Passanisi and Merrill's Marauders Association for their assistance in making this happen.

From Left to Right:
Meagan Sullivan, granddaughter, Kathleen Lauritano, daughter, Charlene Sullivan, daughter, Erin Donahue, granddaughter, Shirley Lauritano, daughter, Heather MacIntyre, granddaughter, Congressman Andrews, Tim Donahue, Grandson, Vito Lauritano, Branne Dykie, granddaughter, Becky Sullivan, granddaughter, Helen Lauritano, wife.

In the above picture and below - left, Congressman Andrews is holding a painting commissioned by Dominic and Vito's grandmother.  The painting was done from the only existing photograph of the two brothers together in uniform.

 

Vito Lauritano and his daughter, Shirley Lauritano - with Congressman Andrews.	Vito Lauritano and his wife, Helen.

Dominic's Medals

Large Boxes Purple Heart (L) Bronze Star  (R) Top Row, Left to Right World War II Victory Medal American Campaign Medal American Defense Service Medal Lower Row, Left to Right Honorable Service Lapel Button (WWII) Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Good Conduct Medal

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