Altieri, Allan Joseph
Army Private 1st class

Allan Joseph Altieri, age 19, from Glendale, California, Los Angeles county.

Parents: Sully P. Altieri
Spouse: Single
Children: None

Service era: Vietnam
Schools: Glendale High (1964), Glendale College
Military history: Bronze Star Citation: For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 June 1966, Private First Class Altieri distinguished himself by heroic actions while serving as a machine gunner with the 1/35th Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon. While making a sweep of an open area in their patrolling sector, the platoon was suddenly subjected to devastating fire by a reinforced NVA company. Private First Class Altieri immediately returned accurate fire on the enemy allowing his comrades to seek cover and establish a hasty defense. In this initial exchange of fire Private First Class Altieri was wounded. Realizing that anyone who came to his aid would certainly be killed, Private First Class Altieri resolutely remained in position and did not call for assistance. As he continued his courageous fight, the enemy began to concentrate their fires on him in an attempt to silence the fire from his machine gun. Undaunted by the volume of fire directed at him, Private First Class Altieri held his ground, but was again struck by enemy fire and killed. His impelling valor, devotion to duty, and inspiring determination to resist to his utmost are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army., 35th Infantry Regiment

Date of death: Friday, June 24, 1966
Death details: Died from small arms fire in Pleiku Province
Cemetery: San Fernado Mission, Mission Hills

Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association