170117 - CrossFit | Internal Hero WOD "Vito"

Also killed in the same action were PFC George Geer and PFC Jesus Fonseca

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Vitagliano, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 17 January 2005, in Iraq. On that date, Staff Sergeant Vitagliano saved two of his Soldiers' lives by selflessly placing himself between the Soldiers and the blast of an explosive-laden taxi. His heroic actions are in keeping with the highest standards of selfless service and reflect great credit upon himself, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.

Tommy was one of my squad leaders for 10 months in Korea before I took over another platoon a month before deploying. He was a Recon Marine, then a Ranger with 2/75 Ranger Battalion deploying early on to Afghanistan right after 9/11 before he was assigned as one of my squad leaders. He was a mentally and physically tough guy that loved his soldiers and his family. He is deeply missed. 

"Vito"
33 each of:
C2B pull-ups
Hand-release push-ups
Jumping lunges
Toes to bar
Sumo deadlift high pulls 55/35
Wall balls 20/14
Lateral burpees (over a plate) 45/25
Abmat sit-ups
Plyo push-ups 45/25
Box jumps 24/20