Coast Guard awards WWII hero with Navy, Marine Corps Medal

PITTSBURGH - Pictured is the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, which was awarded to Thomas A. Vitale at an American Legion in Pittsburgh, Feb. 3, 2012. Vitale received the award for his heroic efforts in helping survivors reach the safety of the USS Comanche during a torpedo attack on the S.S. Dorchester, Feb. 3, 1943. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

PITTSBURGH — The Coast Guard honored a World War II hero with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at an American Legion in Pittsburgh, Friday.

Thomas A. Vitale received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic efforts while helping exhausted and helpless survivors reach the safety of the USS Comanche during a torpedo attack on the S.S. Dorchester, Feb. 3, 1943.

"We were privileged to honor one of our Coast Guard heroes from WWII for distinguished bravery and selfless service," said Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh. "Mr. Vitale's actions are deserving of our recognition and are a shining example of the Coast Guard's crucial wartime service to the nation."

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