IL SR0945

Illinois Senate memorializes United States Army Sergeant Merle Allen Dentino, who was killed in action in Vietnam on June 30, 1970, following a friendly fire incident.

Sgt. Dentino was born October 15, 1948, in Peoria, graduated from Spalding Catholic High School, attended the University of Illinois, and joined the Army in late 1969.

Sgt. Dentino was posthumously promoted to sergeant in 1970 and awarded multiple medals including the Air Medal, Bronze Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and various Vietnam service medals.

Following Representative Aaron Schock's 2011 request to the Army Review Boards Agency, Sgt. Dentino was officially awarded the Purple Heart and additional medals on July 6, 2012.

Senate honors Sgt. Dentino's bravery and service, expresses appreciation for his sacrifice, and directs a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family.