VALLUZZI ROCCO F

COL Rocco F. Valluzzi was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/14/2006 at the age of 68.3 from Brain cancer
Vista, CA
Date of Birth 09/07/1938
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps
Served in Vietnam with HMH-463 in 70
This information was provided by Howard M. Klein, Returned invoice

More detail on this person: Rocco F. Valluzzi Rocco F. Valluzzi 1938-2006 Regular Division Elected to the Vista Hall of Fame 2019 Rocco F. Valluzzi was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He joined the USMC out of college and was stationed at NAS Pensacola, Florida for flight training where he earned his wings. During his thirty year career in the Marines, he earned: Silver Star- awarded for gallantry in action, Vietnam Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 stars, each star is equal to 4 awards-for heroic achievement involving flying in combat Defense Meritorious Service -awarded for service at CINAC in Hawaii Air Medal W/V and # 85 -awarded for achievement inflight. "V" is while in combat. the #85 is the number of times it was awarded; one medal was equal to 20 combat missions. Therefore 85 awards was more than 1700 missions during his 2 tours in Vietnam. Navy/Marine Corps Commendation W/V awarded for service, the "V' indicates service was in combat. Purple Heart with one star - awarded for wounds received while in combat. The gold star National Defense Service - awarded for services to all who are on active duty during a prescribed calendar date indicated second award. Vietnam Service -awarded for service in Vietnam by the US government. Stars indicate campaigns during which service occurred, based on specific dates. Vietnamese Campaign -- awarded for service in Vietnam by the Vietnamese government. The date bar 1960 - is incomplete because the government of South Vietnam is no longer in existence. He flew helicopters, transitioned into OV10S and served as commanding officer of the squadron until he was transferred to CINPAC West in Hawaii. It was during his shift that Russia shot down a Korean 747 air liner. While in Okinawa he transition into the executive jet, flying around Japan and Korea. Upon retirement Rocco and his family settled in Vista at which time he joined the Amigos de Vista Lions Club. He served in several positions as well as president. He then became involved in various city actives. While attending Saint Mark's Catholic Church, he served the community as a Eucharist Minister. The home bound as well as the mass community benefitted from his time. When he was young, the house he lived in did not have a yard or garden so moving into their home in Vista a whole new window of his life opened up. He discovered gardening which led to the Vista Botanical Garden in Brengle Terrace Park. Besides working in the garden, he held the office of president, guiding the garden through development. His life in Vista led to public office where he served one term as a city councilman. Being an advocate for the citizens made his work all the more enjoyable.

Burial information: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA

This information was last updated 02/19/2021

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association