? 1932 (Minturno, Italy) – July 23, 1953; 20-21 years old; unmarried
Last local address: 11 Amundsen Street, Norwalk
Enlistment date unknown; MOS: 01745, Light Weapons Infantry
Service Number: 11255930
Korean War Project Key No: 25208
7TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 31ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 2ND BATTALION, G COMPANY
Casualty Location: Outpost Dale, near Old Baldy (Hill 266 near Yeoncheon-gun, South Korea)
Awarded the Purple Heart Medal
Joseph was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on July 23, 1953. The armistice to end the war was signed 4 days later.
From koreanwar.org, January 17, 2003 by Nick Demasi: My name is Nick C. Demasi. I served in Korea with Company G 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Division on Dale Outpost, near Old Baldy. I knew Joe Rizzi. We were buddies under the Army`s buddy system. Joe and I were always together. I was with him on patrol the night he, along with five others of my friends, was killed. We went out at about 9:45 P.M. but as soon as we arrived at our destination the North Koreans and the Chinese opened up on us–we were ambushed. I think Joe was from Connecticut. If this message ever gets to his relatives, I want to assure them that Joe died a brave man. He died instantly and did not suffer from his wounds. I know, I helped to carry him back to our position.
Private Rizzi is buried in St. John’s Cemetery, Norwalk. Section B1, Lot 75 ½, Grave 6.
