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Richard Tonucci, U. S. Marine Corps, Sgt. (Squad Leader)
Awarded Silver Star for Valor and 2 Purple Hearts
Richard enlisted in the Marine Corps December 1962. He was 1 of 5 Marines in his graduating class of 200 at Paris Island meritoriously promoted to Private 1st Class. Finishing within the top of the requirements, he then served on the fence lines with the 2nd Marines in Cuba.
He was trained in Hawaii as a Marine Prisoner Chaser. Dick graduated from Marine Noncommissioned Officer School in Hawaii In the top at his class, and was promoted meritoriously to the rank of Corporal.
Dick was then assigned to the "Magnificent Bastards" the most renowned Marine fighting warriors in the history of Marines. Serving under Lleutant Colonel J.R. Fisher known as "The Bull", leader of the 2nd Battalion 4th Marine Raiders. Which was also, the 1st Marine landing force Into Vietnam in May of 1965.
Dick served as acting Sergeant Squad Leader in all 6 major battles "The Magnificent Bastards" unit has to its credits In Vietnam (Starlight, Harvest Nunn, Texas, Utah, Hastings and Prairie). In July 1965 when he just turned 21 he had already been wounded twice, treated for his wounds and awarded "The Purple Heart Medal" and returned to combat.
On August 18th 1965 in the battle "Operation Starlight" Dick was awarded the nations 3rd highest award a Silver Star Medal and a 2nd Purple Heart Medal. Along with another Marine Dick assaulted and silenced the 50 caliber machine gun, also knocking out the two other emplacements, only to find the machine gun was remanded by a second team continuing the assault they completely destroyed the enemy positions.
Dick was wounded seven times during the battle and remained with the 29 Marines left of his company in a wagon train defense, until first light on the following day when tanks broke trough to reinforce them and remove the wounded marines to a field hospital.
After his Vietnam tour of duty Dick was stationed at Marine Corps Officer Training School Quantico, Virginia. He served as Assistant of Operations and Scheduling.
While in this position Dick received the highest award next to a medal of meritorious Mast Citation by the Base Commander for demonstrating a high degree of initiative judgment and devotion to the Marine Corps.
Dick has been wounded eight times as a fighting warder for our freedom. He has been awarded the following: The Silver Star the nations 3rd highest award, Two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Modal with 1 Bronze Star, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Sharp Shooter Rifle and Pistol Medals, and Expert Machine Gun Medal.
Dick is also qualified as a Distinguished Weapons Expert by the National Rifle Association. On his DD214 discharge paper Dick was recommended for reenlistment. He parted the service In 1966 with plans to marry and raise a family.
He joined the Ansonia CT National Guard Missile Battalion where he worked until it closed. He than worked for Bic Pen, Black & Decker, Emson Research, and spent his past 10 years of employment as Production Manager of Spectrum Plastics of Ansonia, Dick is now retired.
Dick served seven years as Commander of Chapter #1 Purple Heart Veterans founded In Ansonia CT and is a life member. He Is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War, and a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and a member of the Catholic War Vets In Derby, CT. He is also a Mason In King Hiram Lodge #12 in Shelton CT.
Dick resides In Ansonia with his wife Carolyn, two daughters and their husbands and 3 beautiful grandchildren for the past 32 years.
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