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Captain Desiderio's company was given the mission of defending the command post of a task force against an enemy breakthrough. After personal reconnaissance during darkness and under intense enemy fire, Captain Desiderio placed his men in defensive positions to repel an attack. Early in the action he was wounded, but refused evacuation and despite enemy fire continued to move among his men checking their positions and making sure that each element was prepared to receive the next attack. Again wounded, he continued to direct his men. By his inspiring leadership he encouraged them to hold their position. In the subsequent fighting when the fanatical enemy succeeded in penetrating the position, he personally charged them with carbine, rifle, and grenades, inflicting many casualties until he himself was mortally wounded. His men, spurred on by his intrepid example, repelled this final attack.
Reginald Desiderio entered active duty in the U.S. Army from the California National Guard, when his unit was federalized in 1941. With an O.C.S. Commission, he served during World War II in Southern France and Germany, earning a Silver Star and four Bronze Stars for his courage. After Captain Desiderio's death he was succeeded in command by Captain Lewis Millett who, three months later, also earned the Medal of Honor.
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