Sal was the second of seven children born to Rose and James Cemelli. He worked with is father in the grocery business in Hoboken, N.J. He loved football and baseball, he was an excellent billiard player. He also played the saxophone and piano.
He entered the service in January 1966 and received his training in Fort Dix, N.J. and Fort Polk, Louisiana. In June, 1966 he was sent to Vietnam. He was killed on December 8, 1966.
Sal Cemelli was a member of the 1st Battalion 18th Inf. 1st Inf. Division. He went to Vietnam on June of 1966, as a member of the 2nd platoon he was a rifleman in the second squad. Sal was well liked by the entire Platoon. He had a great sense of humor, and liked to joke around with Sgt. Campbell and all the platoon members. Sal died on Dec.8th 1966 while on ambush with his squad around Pho Loi. Of the 11 men that went out on the patrol only 3 were not killed or wounded. He is missed by all that knew him.
Written by:
Ron Wilhelm
Member of the 2nd sq. 2nd Platoon