Patsy J. Scarpato

A native Staten Islander, Patsy (Pat) J. Scarpato attended PS 23 and PS 44 in Mariners Harbor. He graduated from Port Richmond High School in 1948, got a job and went to Brooklyn College at night. While attending college he received his draft notice to report for induction on June 25, 1951. 

After basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, he completed a leaders course in February 1952 and was promoted to Corporal. While leading a class there, Pat received orders to go to Ft. Benning, Georgia to be enrolled in OCS where he graduated as a Second Lieutenant from the Infantry School on September 12, 1952. 

From there he went to Camp Atterbury, Indiana where he taught machine guns for 5 months and was then sent to Korea where he joined E Co. 65th Inf. Rgt, 3rd Inf. Div. in combat. 

As a combat infantry platoon leader, Pat led many patrols and engaged in major battles at OP Harry where he was wounded in action. After hospitalization he returned to his unit and led his platoon at the Battle for Kumsong. Perhaps the last big battle of the war in 1953. 

Pat received the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service against an armed entry, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with two (2) battle stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, the NYS Conspicuous Service Star, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Ambassador of Peace Medal from the President of Korea and several others. 

Pat is a member of several veterans’ groups such as the Cpl. Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of Korean War Veterans, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Mariners Harbor VFW, the Watkins-Kellet American Legion, the DAV, The Combat Infantry Association and the 3rd Division Infantry Association.