The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Salvatore "Sonny" Cantarella, RA19357856, who died in the service of his country on March 24th, 1951 in South Korea. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Salvatore was 20 years of age. He was from Phoenix, Arizona. Salvatore's Military Occupation Specialty was 4745-Light Weapons Infantryman.
The decorations earned by PFC Salvatore "Sonny" Cantarella include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Private First Class Cantarella was a member of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded by the enemy in South Korea on August 18, 1950 and returned to duty on October 10, 1950. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on March 24, 1951. Private First Class Cantarella was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantrymans Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Salvato was known as "Sonny" and was of Italian heritage.
BURIAL LOCATION:SAINT FRANCIS CEMETERY, PHOENIX, AZ
On this the 50th anniversary of the Korean War my thoughts are with a brother I never knew. He died almost 6 years before I was born and after our father had remarried. I remember the picture of Sonny in his uniform that my father kept on his desk and today I am as full of pride as my father was so many years ago. I would also like to thank all veterans that have fought to keep us safe and my thoughts and prayers go out to them and to the families of those who lost their loved ones in order to keep us all safe. (Tina Pruitt)
Sonny, I never met you in person, but I met your soul from what I learned about you from your brother Tony who was there with you. Tony and I were married after he came back from Korea, my name is Jennie. He told me how good-looking you are and how everyone liked you. I heard about you from your sisters and have your photo. We named our first son after Tony and our second son after you, and his sons will also carry your name and memory forever. Our daughter Catherine, cherishes you memory also and they are proud of their uncle Sonny. We will meet with you later and we salute you and your fallen comrades. For now you can command the angels that guard all of your family. Your Holy Commander in Chief will always have His Hand on your shoulder. (Jennie Cantarella Flores)
I was 14 years old when you were killed. I am 71 years old now. There has never been a day that I have not thought of you. You will always be in my mind and heart forever.I look at your picture everyday and wish you were here with me. I miss you so much.
I married a great guy named Bob. We have three daughters and 6 grandkids and 3 great grandkids. I wish they all could of gotten to know you and love you like I did.
I love you big brother. Your sis Marian (Marian Kelly)
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