Korean War
| Service # | AO-2201971 |
|---|---|
| Unit | 35 FTR BOMB SQ 8 FTR BOMB GP |
| Rank | First Lieutenant U.S. Air Force |
| Date of Death | October 22 1951 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Air Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
For his leadership and valor, First Lieutenant Esposito was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
First Lieutenant Esposito was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor with the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On October 22, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, exploded in mid-air and crashed near Koma-dong and Hoechang, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.