Hector A. Cafferata Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hector A. Cafferata Jr.
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Hector A. Cafferata, Medal of Honor recipient
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| Birth name | Hector Albert Cafferata Jr. |
| Born | November 4, 1929 New York, New York |
| Died | April 12, 2016 (aged 86) Venice, Florida |
| Place of burial |
Quantico National Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1948–1951 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | Fox Company, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart Medal Combat Action Ribbon |
Hector Albert Cafferata Jr. (November 4, 1929 – April 12, 2016) was a brave U.S. Marine. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military award in the United States. He earned this award for his amazing courage during the Korean War.
In November 1950, Private First Class Cafferata faced a very large enemy force all by himself. He saved many wounded Marines by throwing away a live grenade. This act of heroism caused him serious injuries.
Contents
Early Life of Hector Cafferata
Hector Cafferata was born in New York City on November 4, 1929. His father, Héctor A. Cafferata-Miller, was from Peru. His mother, Helen Signey, was from Montville, New Jersey.
He grew up in Lake Hiawatha and Montville. He finished high school in 1949 at Boonton High School. Hector loved playing football in high school and continued as a semi-pro player after graduating.
Serving in the Korean War
Hector Cafferata joined the Marine Corps Reserve in February 1948. He was called to active duty in September 1950. After more training, he went to Korea in October 1950. He joined the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, part of the 1st Marine Division.
Hector Cafferata's Heroic Actions
Cafferata showed incredible bravery during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He fought a very large enemy force by himself. He stopped two enemy groups after almost all his team members were hurt or killed.
Only he and another Marine, Kenneth Benson, could still fight. Benson was temporarily blinded by a grenade. Benson helped Cafferata by reloading his M-1 rifle. Cafferata, who was a great shot, fought without his coat or boots in the dark. This intense fight lasted for over five hours.
At one point, a live grenade landed near his wounded fellow Marines. Cafferata quickly grabbed it and threw it away. This saved many lives, but he was badly wounded. Later, a sniper shot him, but other Marines rescued him.
He was taken to Japan for treatment in December 1950. In January, he returned to the United States for more care. He was medically retired from the Marines in September 1951.
On November 24, 1952, President Harry S. Truman gave Private First Class Cafferata the Medal of Honor. This special ceremony took place at the White House.
Life After the War
After the war, Cafferata had several jobs. He sold hunting and fishing gear. He also worked for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. For a long time, he ran a tavern called the Cliffside Tavern in Alpha, New Jersey.
He worked to get his fellow Marine, Kenneth Benson, also recognized for his bravery. In 2000, Benson received the Silver Star medal.
Hector Cafferata died on April 12, 2016, in Venice, Florida. He was survived by his wife, Doris, and their four children. He also had a brother, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Cafferata sometimes went to Medal of Honor events. However, he rarely talked about his own experiences during the war.
Awards and Honors
Hector Cafferata received several important military awards. The most notable was the Medal of Honor. He also received the Purple Heart Medal for his injuries.
Other Special Recognitions
A section of Interstate 287 in New Jersey is named in his honor. It is called the Marine Hector Cafferata Jr. Medal of Honor Highway.
Also, an elementary school in Cape Coral, Florida, is named after him. It is called Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School. This was the first school in Florida named after a living Medal of Honor recipient.
In 2014, the United States Post Office released special stamps. These stamps honored Korean War Medal of Honor recipients. Cafferata's photo was on the cover of the stamp collection.
See also
In Spanish: Hector Cafferata para niños
