Born: 1916
Died: March 8, 1945
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan, Tinian (with 20th Marines), Iwo Jima (killed)
Highest Rank Attained: Private First Class
Decorations: Purple Heart
Armand Alessandrini was born in New Milford, New Jersey, around 1916. He left his lifelong home at 238 Eagle Avenue to enlist in the Marines in 1943. Alessandrini became a member of Company D, Second Battalion, 24th Marines. The battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Otto Lessing, was a pioneer unit in support of a battalion of engineers and a battalion of Seabees. PFC Alessandrini saw duty during the campaigns for the Marshall and Marianas Islands in 1944.
On August 31, 1944, Alessandrini's regiment was disbanded. Along with fellow D Company marine Leon Abrams, Alessandrini was assigned to First Battalion, 24th Marines; he became a messenger with Baker Company.
PFC Alessandrini's luck ran out on March 8, 1945. The twenty-nine year old Marine was killed in action during the battle of Iwo Jima. He was buried in the Fourth Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo.
To see the original announcement of Alessandrini's death, please click here.