James E. Antone Jr. TOWNSEND - James E. Antone Jr., of Townsend, passed away on Friday May 21, 2010, in Westminster Village Health Center, Dover. He was 67. Mr. Antone was born Nov. 6, 1942, in Townsend the son of the late James E. Antone, Sr. and Effie Aldean Morris. He retired from the GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware after many years of work as a body refinisher. James was a member of the NRA and he enjoyed gardening and working on his small farm. Prior to his working career, Mr. Antone served with distinguished honors in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War where he was recommended for the Navy Cross. He was awarded the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, "For service set forth for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Crew Chief with Marine Observation Squadron Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the vicinity of Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam on June 16, 1966. As Crew Chief of UH-1E armed helicopter, Lance Corporal Antone participated in the retraction of an eighteen man Marine Reconnaissance Team that had been attacked by an enemy force of battalion size. During the hours of darkness prior to the retraction, he continuously disregarded his own safety by leaning out of the aircraft's door, exposing himself fully to the enemy, in order to place accurate and devastating suppressive fire on the enemy positions. Shortly after dawn, his helicopter was struck with a burst of enemy machine gun fire and the pilot was mortally wounded. Lance Corporal Antone immediately rushed to administer first aid. When the co-pilot began to lose control of the aircraft due to battle damage to the flight control system, he immediately came to his aid, and, by skillfully applying pressure to the flight controls, enabled the co-pilot to successfully autorotate the aircraft into a rice paddy. On the ground, he calmly and courageously assisted in carrying his stricken pilot to another helicopter which landed nearby, knowing full well that the area was infested with hostile forces. Enroute to a medical facility, Lance Corporal Antone resumed his efforts of administering first aid in an attempt to save his pilot's life. He was largely responsible for preserving the lives of the remaining helicopter crew members and contributed materially to the successful evacuation of the Marine Reconnaissance Team. Lance Corporal Antone's courage, initiative and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." –V.H. Krulak, Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harry E. Smith. He is survived by his brother, Rhesa K. Antone and his wife Josie M. of Townsend; two sisters, Lavina A. Messick and Shirley J. Voss, both of Smyrna; a sister-in-law, Peggy Smith of Townsend; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday May 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel located on 29 South Main Street, Smyrna, where friends may call Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.