Sam arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to a Mortar Platoon with H & S Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. During Operation Idaho Canyon the 3rd Platoon of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and the attached Mortar Platoon was attacked by an NVA Company at Mutters Ridge(Hill 484) about 16 kilometers N NW of Ca La Airfield. LCpl Catalano died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds to the head and body from hostile enemy fire and grenades. Survived by his parents Sam & Helen Catalano Sr, his 3 sisters and 2 brothers.