Normando Antonio Costello was born on June 19, 1905, in Franklin, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Richard Francis Costello Sr. and Louisa V. Fiorani Costello. He was married to Frances Page Simonds Costello. He studied at Dartmouth College before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1925 to 1929. After graduating, he was commissioned into the infantry as a Lieutenant and rose through every officer rank up to Major General.

During World War II, he served with the 80th Infantry Division in the European Theater. On February 13, 1945, he assumed command of the 319th Infantry Regiment, one of the division’s subordinate units. In April, his regiment participated in the capture of Gera, for which he received the Silver Star.

After the war, Costello continued his military career. From April 1958 to June 1959, he commanded the 7th Infantry Division, then stationed in South Korea and responsible for the Demilitarized Zone. He later served in additional staff positions and retired from the Army in 1964.

Following his retirement, Costello established a real estate business in Florida. In 1972, he moved to Columbia, South Carolina. With his wife, he traveled extensively, visiting South America, Hawaii, and Europe, and enjoyed playing golf. He died in a car accident on November 22, 1985, and was buried at the Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, Muscogee County, Georgia, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Normando Antonio Costello (ASN: 0-17764), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Costello, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, de.wikipedia.org, valor.militarytimes.com