Bronze Star awarded in South Philly

Date:

Share post:

Lifelong South Philadelphia resident and Vietnam War veteran Jerry Tempesta received a Bronze Star on Sept. 27 in front of family, friends and elected officials at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

The prestigious military award is awarded for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement or meritorious service in a combat zone. Tempesta received the Bronze Star for his actions when he saved his platoon leader’s life and was shot in the head during combat at the age of 21. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress syndrome, hearing loss, tinnitus, memory issues and vertigo due to his injuries. He received two Purple Hearts after being wounded in the Battle of Renegade Woods.

- Advertisement -

Tempesta served two years in the military after he was drafted in 1969.

He later entered a 30-year career working at the Philadelphia Naval Yard and later was a member of three a cappella doo-wop groups.

Tempesta’s Bronze Star ceremony was attended by Councilmember Mark Squilla, state Sen. Nikil Saval, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Sen. Bob Casey.

Mark Zimmaro
Mark Zimmaro
Mark Zimmaro is a reporter for the South Philly Review. Follow him on Twitter @mzimmaro or email at mzimmaro@newspapermediagroup.com

Latest Articles

Current Issues

Current-NET01

 

Current-SPR

 

Related articles

Dinner, food/clothing drive in memory of Kevin Cullen

The first Kevin Cullen Community Outreach Spaghetti Dinner for families in need will take place on Saturday, Jan....

Presentation BVM student earns Neumann Scholarship

Presentation BVM Catholic School, 105 Old Soldiers Road in Cheltenham, announced that one of its eighth-grade students, Michael...

Dugan vs. Krasner

Former Municipal Court President Judge Pat Dugan has the support of the Philadelphia Building Trades in his challenge...

Community Calendar

January 23 Jazz Sanctuary - at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Episcopal Church, 8 Christian St. An evening of “Jazz...