Chris Smith U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 4th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Chris Smith U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 4th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
On November 10, 1967, Pete Celentano, then a 20-year-old soldier, wrote to his parents about surviving the Battle of Dak To in Vietnam. In his letter, he mentioned being injured during the battle. This letter and a local news report became crucial evidence in a congressional inquiry led by Congressman Chris Smith to secure Celentano's Purple Heart Medal.
Smith appealed directly to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth in November for an investigation into Celentano's case. He provided her with Celentano’s letter and a United Press International article from the Philadelphia Inquirer about the battle. These documents were discovered by the Ocean County Library’s Jackson Branch at Smith’s request.
During the battle on Hill 724, Celentano's foxhole was hit directly, resulting in two soldiers' deaths and injuries to others. Despite being stunned, Celentano managed to apply pressure to an injured comrade's wound until they could be evacuated for medical treatment.
Celentano recounted to Smith: “We were told to dig deep because the enemy had us surrounded... My foxhole took a direct hit... I used direct pressure with my chin to stop the blood flow.”
The Army considers dated wartime letters as valid proof of injuries. The UPI news account closely matched Celentano’s letter home.
On February 21, Congressman Smith presented Celentano with the Military Order of the Purple Heart at his office in Toms River. Present were Celentano's family and fellow Vietnam veterans. Col. John Wildermann of the 99th Readiness Division also attended.
“Thank you to Pete for his bravery,” Smith said during the ceremony. “It’s amazing that you had not received it to date, but better late than never.”
Another veteran from Connecticut, Pete Pagani, who was present at the battle and supported Celentano's recognition, praised him for saving his life during nighttime maneuvers when they got separated.
“He told us how you saved his life,” Smith conveyed Pagani’s message to Celentano. “He couldn’t say enough about you.”
Pagani could not attend due to medical reasons but expressed admiration and congratulations via phone.
PHOTO: Pete Celentano addresses friends and family after receiving his Purple Heart at Smith’s Toms River Office.
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