Ranger Hall of Fame
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COLONEL ANTHONY LABROZZI
Ranger Anthony Labrozzi is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his outstanding devotion to duty and his fellow soldiers.
Ranger Labrozzi’s career started in September, 1946, when he first enlisted in the Army. In May of 1950, he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. In September, 1950, it was activated for the Korean War, and at that time, he volunteered for the Rangers and became the First Sergeant for the 12th Ranger Company. After the Rangers were deactivated in September, 1951, he joined the 187th Regimental Combat Team and went immediately to Korea. On 5 November 1952, he earned a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant while 23000 meters in front of the main battle line. General Westmoreland, who was then the Commanding General of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, came to his platoon and pinned the gold bars on him. While in Korea, Ranger Labrozzi earned the Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation.
When the conflict started in Vietnam, he volunteered to serve there and from the period of 10 November 1965 until 7 September 1970, he earned six Air Medals for heroism. He received each one for conducting 25 flights into enemy hot zones, picking up dead and wounded, and delivering supplies: that totals 150 flights in helicopters that the Viet Cong always tended to target. He earned four Bronze Stars from 26 January 1966 until 22 February 1970 for heroism. In one operation, while his unit was being re-supplied with ammo by helicopter, the helo dropped the ammo on a hot LZ. Major Labrozzi and three South Vietnamese soldiers ran out to get the ammo. All Vietnamese men were hit. Tony threw one over his shoulder, grabbed the other one by the collar, and dragged them back to safety, all the while under intense machine gun fire. He then went back and got the ammo and the other soldier. Besides the honors noted he also earned two Army Commendation Medals, both with Oak Leaf Clusters and the Soldiers Medal for heroism. Col. Labrozzi served 10 years in combat.
Throughout Col. Labrozzi’s long 32-year career, he has distinguished himself in a manner that is a credit to the Airborne Rangers, the United States Army, and anyone who has ever had the honor to serve with him.
