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Namesake
Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata Jr. USMC Medal of Honor recipient.
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces.
When all the other members of his fire team became casualties, creating a gap in the lines, during the initial phase of a vicious attack launched by a fanatical enemy of regimental strength
against his company's hill position, Pvt. Cafferata waged a lone battle with grenades and rifle fire as the attack gained momentum and the enemy threatened penetration through the gap and
endangered the integrity of the entire defensive perimeter. Making a target of himself under the devastating fire from automatic weapons, rifles, grenades, and mortars, he maneuvered up and
down the line and delivered accurate and effective fire against the onrushing force, killing 15, wounding many more, and forcing the others to withdraw so that reinforcements could move up
and consolidate the position. Again fighting desperately against a renewed onslaught later that same morning when a hostile grenade landed in a shallow entrenchment occupied by wounded
marines, Pvt. Cafferata rushed into the gully under heavy fire, seized the deadly missile in his right hand and hurled it free of his comrades before it detonated, severing part of one
finger and seriously wounding him in the right hand and arm. Courageously ignoring the intense pain, he stanchly fought on until he was struck by a sniper's bullet and forced to submit to
evacuation for medical treatment. Stouthearted and indomitable, Pvt. Cafferata, by his fortitude, great personal valor, and dauntless perseverance in the face of almost certain death, saved
the lives of several of his fellow marines and contributed essentially to the success achieved by his company in maintaining its defensive position against tremendous odds. His extraordinary
heroism throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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The future USS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB-8) was laid down, 8 December 2023, at General Dynamics NASSCO, Shipyard, San Diego, CA.
Chariza “Chacha” Solis, a long-time NASSCO employee and the Start of Construction honoree for the future USNS Hector A. Cafferata, initiated the first cut of steel that will be used to
construct the vessel.
U.S. Navy photo # 230808-N-N2201-003 courtesy NASSCO |
Lee Wahler |
