The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Allan Joseph Altieri, who died in the service of his country on June 24th, 1966 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Allan was 19 years of age. He was from Glendale, California. Allan is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 08E, Line 83.
The decorations earned by PFC Allan Joseph Altieri include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Allan is buried in the San Fernado Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, CA.
(From The Obituary)
PFC Allan J Altieri, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sully P Altieri of 117 S Adams, was killed in Vietnam. The 1964 Glendale High School graduate, who also attended Glendale College one year, went to Vietnam five months ago. PFC Altieri, whose family has lived in Glendale seven years, also leaves a sister Barbara, 17, and brother Darren 1 year old.
(His BSV Citation)
Award Of The Bronze Star For Heroism
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.
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