The Salvatore P. Cemelli Foundation
About the Foundation
The PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Foundation was created by the Cemelli Family in honor of their Brother, Uncle and Friend, Salvatore P. Cemelli, who lost his life serving his Country in the Vietnam War.
The purpose of this foundation is to annually award a College Scholarship to a deserving Weehawken Resident and High School Senior attending college, as well as other charitable causes. This foundation has meaning beyond the commemoration of Sal.
PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli was the first fatality in Hudson County of the Vietnam War and the first of 3 from Weehawken.
He was a Rifleman in the 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, B CO, 1st BN, 18 INF REG, 1 INF Div.
Sal was drafted in January 1966, arrived in Vietnam in June 1966 and was killed in action on December 8, 1966 – 11 months after receiving his draft notice.
He was 20 years old when his squad was ambushed while on a mission in a small village in Vietnam on the morning of December 8, 1966. Sal, along with another soldier, was killed and several wounded.
Sal was born in Hoboken, raised in Weehawken & attended the Weehawken School District. He was the 2nd of 7 children & worked with his father in the family grocery business in Hoboken.
Sal’s parents, James & Rose Cemelli, raised their 7 children in their home on Gregory Avenue & were Weehawken residents for 55+ years. They never wanted Sal’s name & memory to be forgotten in their hometown of Weehawken.
Rose Cemelli, Sal’s mother, participated in every Weehawken Memorial Day Parade as a Gold Star Mother until she passed away in 2011.
Sal received many badges, medals & awards for his dedication & service in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the following honors: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960), Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge w/Auto Rifle Bar & Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge w/Machine Gun Bar.
In 2007, The Distinguished Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously by the County of Hudson, NJ where Sal was born & raised until his death.
Each year, we receive an overwhelming level of appreciation received from the families of the awarded students and the Weehawken Community.
The Scholarship Award is presented immediately following the Memorial Day Parade and the Weehawken Memorial Day Ceremony, at Hamilton Park on Boulevard East where Sal’s name is inscribed on a monument.
All are invited to join.
In loving memory of Sal and of all our Country’s fallen soldiers.