The West Point Association of Graduates announces that Captain Anthony C. Fuscellaro ’05 has been selected to receive the 2013 Alexander Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. Capt. Fuscellaro will receive the award on September 11, 2013, at West Point, NY.
Capt. Fuscellaro is an Aviation officer currently serving as the Brigade Assistant S3, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He has been selected for promotion to the rank of major and will begin a Pentagon internship in 2014.
Capt. Fuscellaro received two Distinguished Flying Cross awards for valorous achievements as a Pilot-in-Command of an OH-58D(R) Kiowa Warrior in support of combat operations in Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom in August and December 2009.
The Nininger Award is endowed by Mr. Doug Kenna, Class of 1945, and his wife Jean Kenna. The Award is named in honor of Lieutenant Alexander R. “Sandy” Nininger, Class of 1941, on whom the Medal of Honor was posthumously conferred for heroism in combat in the Philippines during the early stage of World War II. The Award recognizes the personal valor of the recipient and also draws attention to the bravery of all West Point graduates who have heroically led soldiers.
Following is an excerpt from the award citation: "Throughout the fight, CPT Fuscellaro’s actions were brilliant, while his demeanor was calm and intentional. His singular actions were absolutely critical to the success of the battle that resulted in zero American casualties, while inflicting substantial losses against a heavily armed, numerically superior enemy force. Despite extreme risk to himself and his team from massive, concealed enemy heavy weapons, CPT Fuscellaro’s leadership, bravery, audacity, and skill enabled the [ground forces] to withdraw safely from the kill zone. His leadership and valorous achievement are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Saber, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the United States Army."