VETERAN OF THE DAY
February 6, 2026
CPT ANTHONY DANNUCCI JR
U.S. ARMY
March 26, 1923 – February 6, 1951
KILLED IN ACTION | KOREAN WAR
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (POSTHUMOUS)
BASIC INFORMATION
Name: Anthony Dannucci Jr
Rank: Captain (CPT)
Branch: United States Army
Unit: Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division
Date of Birth: March 26, 1923
Date of Death: February 6, 1951
Home: Bronx, New York
Burial: Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Brooklyn, NY)
Additional note: Listed as a POW in WWII and later KIA in Korea
HONORING HIS SERVICE
Captain Anthony Dannucci Jr is remembered for extraordinary heroism in Korea on February 6, 1951, while commanding Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.
His Distinguished Service Cross citation describes him leading his men with exceptional courage under intense enemy pressure near Sangho-ri, Korea, continuing the fight despite the danger and ultimately giving his life in action.
This is the kind of leadership the Army builds its legends around: not loud, not theatrical, just steady, forward, and unbreakable.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 187 (February 11, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Anthony Dannucci, Jr. (ASN: 0-1540859), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Yong Yong, Korea, on the night of 31 December 1950 – 1 January 1951. During an exceptionally fierce enemy attack, his company’s positions were penetrated by large numbers of enemy troops. Rallying a group of his own men and members of adjacent units, he determined to attack a strong enemy force dug in on hilltop positions and posing a grave threat to the entire battalion. With utter disregard for safety, he fearlessly led the assault on the enemy strong point, and the men inspired by his gallant example, overran the position. This action resulted in a temporary breakdown of the enemy attack and permitted the withdrawal of friendly units to more tenable positions. First Lieutenant Dannucci’s courageous action and outstanding leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.
Distinguished Service Cross Korean War Service: United States Army Rank: Captain (Infantry) Batallion:2d Battalion Regiment:19th Infantry RegimentDivision:24th Infantry Division Action Date: February 6, 1951
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 194 (April 7, 1951)The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Anthony Dannucci, Jr. (ASN: 0-1540859), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Captain Dannucci distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sangho-ri, Korea, on 6 February 1951. On that date, Company G was given the mission of recapturing a hill which the enemy had secured during a nigh attack. Taking a position with the most forward element of the attacking unit, Captain Dannucci displaying great courage, led his men in a valiant assault on an enemy sector, forcing them to abandon their positions. During this action one platoon of his company attacking a different sector was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Captain Dannucci immediately went to the position of this platoon and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, ordered them to fix bayonets. He then led them in a daring assault on the enemy, killing many and forcing the remainder to flee in disorder. In the final stage of this assault he was killed by a burst of automatic fire. The gallant and intrepid action of Captain Dannucci inspired his men to complete their mission despite overwhelming odds and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
What makes Captain Dannucci’s story hit like a hammer is this:
he survived one war, even captivity, and still stepped forward again when the next call came.
That’s not just bravery. That’s a life made of duty.
Today we honor CPT Anthony Dannucci Jr.
COOLBEANERS.NET
The Micky Spano Show and Coolbeaners.net honor a Veteran of the Day, every day, because remembrance is not optional.
Today, we honor CPT Anthony Dannucci Jr, United States Army, who gave his life in Korea on February 6, 1951.
If you served with Captain Dannucci, knew his family, or have a photo or remembrance you would like us to add to this tribute, please reach out so his story continues to be told.
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