ADESSA ANTHONY J

LTC Anthony "Tony" J. Adessa was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/18/2020 at the age of 88.3
San Marcos, CA
Flight Class 58-1
Date of Birth 02/22/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 25 INF in 65-66, 197 AHC in 66, AN KHE AIRFIELD in 69-70, HHC/223 CAB in 70-71
Call signs in Vietnam DIAMOND HEAD 5, GRIFFIN 6
This information was provided by Sammie Williams - obit

More detail on this person: Colonel Anthony John Adessa February 22, 1932 - June 18, 2020 San Marcos --Born in Newark, NJ to Italian immigrants Anthony John Adessa became a Golden Gloves Boxer receiving a Boxing Scholarship to the University of Alabama. While there he also ran the Mile for the University and was in ROTC, joining the US Army upon Graduation in 1953. Colonel Anthony John Adessa, served his country with distinction. As a master aviator he piloted Huey Gunships in three combat tours, Korea & Vietnam 1966 & 1970. While commander of a large US Army Helicopter Battalion on his third combat tour Anthony flew most every mission, living his motto "Never ask anyone to do what you wouldn't do yourself". His commendations include The Legion of Merit, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal V Device, 14 air medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Army of Occupation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Civil Actions Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1971 the Colonel served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. and later as the Director of Combat Development, Ft. Bliss TX. Retiring in 1978 Anthony led a life of supporting local organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America & the American Legion among others. Survived & Loved by his wife Emma (Susie) Adessa of San Marcos, CA, his two sons Blane Adessa of Cardiff by the Sea, CA & Frank Adessa of Sunnyvale, CA & daughter Kathleen (Kiki) Adessa of Encinitas, CA and two grandsons Anthony Adessa & Christian Adessa. Anthony loved watching Alabama Football with family, friends & alumni especially at the 55 Yard Line in San Marcos, CA. Col. Adessa will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Roll Tide Colonel! Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on Jun. 25, 2020.

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery

This information was last updated 06/29/2020

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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024