Pvt John Renzi Collection Purple Heart Collection NMMC

Private John Renzi Purple Heart collection
Killed in Action, 25 Feb 1945
Aged 33
Pvt Renzi received his Selective Service draft notification in June 1944. Aged 33 and married with children, he was among the last classification of draft eligible Americans to be called to service during World War II. He had previously worked in the war industry while his younger brother served in the Pacific. After receiving his draft notification, Renzi then volunteered for the Marine Corps and was thrilled to finally be doing “his part”.

Renzi was assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. The unit formed part of the division reserve in the assault on Iwo Jima, landing on Beach “Blue 2” on D-Day, 19 Feb 1945. Pvt Renzi survived five days before being mortally wounded on 23 February. Evacuated to the attack transport USS Hendry, he died of his wounds on 25 February aboard the ship.