Solvay-Geddes Veterans Inc. Founded October 1945 PO Box 144 Solvay, NY 13209
May 19, 2014 PRESS RELEASE
What: Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Monday, May 26th, 10 am
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 1000 Woods Road, Solvay In case of inclement weather, we will move indoors to the Solvay-Geddes Community Youth Center, 1010 Woods Road
Hosted by: Solvay-Geddes Veterans and Stanley B. Pennock VFW Post
We will be remembering our town’s eighty-two sons who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom by reading each of their names from our Memorial Monument, in addition, we will also honor those who served during World War II.
Attached are the military biographies of the thirty-one living World War II veterans from the Town of Geddes. They were ordinary teenagers who, when called upon, achieved extraordinary success. Their stories include entering service with lifelong friends who during their first combat engagement were killed, a hero who secured the Bridge at Remagen before being taken P.O.W. by the Germans and his story of escape, recipients of multiple Bronze Stars, a U.S. Marine bomb disposal specialist that cleared former Japanese-held islands in the Pacific, an individual that landed at Normandy and has 4 battle stars on his European Campaign Medal, and numerous other examples of serving with honor, courage, and valor.
All are invited and encouraged to attend this free community event.
Sally Zollo, President Solvay-Geddes Veterans Inc. [email protected] 315-720-2541 Solvay-Geddes Veterans Inc. is one of the oldest Veterans organizations in Onondaga County, having been established in 1945 as The Town of Geddes Veterans of World War II. The 150 current members have served in every armed conflict from WWII through Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan as well as Cold War and Homeland Defense Operations from the Berlin Airlift through Defense of Liberty and Operation Noble Eagle.
World War II Veterans from the Town of Geddes
Mark Antonetti Chester Malys
Les Ball Manuel M. Martinez
Charles Baracco Joseph Micheletti
Anthony Bennie Edward Musengo
Charles Calligaris Norman Nicolini
Modesto Chemotti Louis Nudo
Carmen Cimini Raymond Palladino
Lawrence Colelli John Panighetti
Daniel Dantuono Mario Panighetti
William Del Favero Henry Ponti
John J. Demperio Joseph Ranieri
Paul DiGiulio Dan Simiele
Frank Fernandez William Waters
Fred Frachetti John Zingaro
Albert Francescotti Nicholas Zingaro
Michael Gasapo
Because of them, liberty did not perish from this Earth. When the future hung in the balance, they stood on the edge of tyranny and devastation and risked their lives for a future and a hope bigger than themselves. Secretary of State John Kerry Town of Geddes World War II Veterans
Military Biographies of the Heroes Among Us
Mark Antonetti Mark served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947 as a Seaman First Class-Ships serving in the Mediterranean Sea, European Theater of Operations as a Repairman on the Aircraft Carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42). Mark’s awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
Les Ball Les served in the U.S. Army from October 1940 to October 1945, attaining the rank of Sergeant – Chief of Section. Serving in the European Theater, Les was assigned to the Big Red One (1st Infantry Division), Battery ‘A’, 5th Field Artillery and received 4 Bronze Star Medals for his actions in combat. Prior to the Normandy Invasion, Les was injured in Sicily as a result of being gunned down by a German Messerschmitt that was strafing the American combat units. Due to the extent of his battle wounds, Les was hospitalized for 1 year. The remainder of his gun crew did participate in the Normandy Invasion and all 14 men of his gun crew were killed. Les’s company was awarded by President Truman a Unit Citation for Heroism against an Armed Enemy for capturing the most war prisoners. Les’s decorations include 4 Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
Charles Baracco Charles served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a Radar Operator First Class assigned to U.S. Marine Patrol Bombing Squadron 215 (VPB-215). Charles service locations included Naval Station Norfolk, Cape Canaveral, Columbia, Panama Canal Zone, Bermuda, and Quantamano Bay. Charles’s awards include the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Anthony Bennie Tony served in U.S. Army Air Corps 8th Army from 1945 to 1946 as a Corporal in the 831st Engineering Aviation Battalion in Frankfurt, Germany and Amarillo, Texas as a Dental Technician. Tony’s awards include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Charles Calligaris Charles served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946 as a Staff Sergeant, Battalion Clerk and Chief, Morning Report Section. Charles processed 5,000 soldiers returning home from Europe and his awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
Modesto Chemotti Mike served in the U.S. Army’s 5th Army Quartermaster Corps from 1941 to 1945 in Northern Africa and Europe, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Serving three years in the European Theater, Mike participated in the invasion of Italy, the Rome- Arno Campaign, Naples-Foggia Campaign and was assigned to the Headquarters group stationed at the Naples port. Mike’s decorations include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Carmen Cimini Carmen served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3). His service included participation in Operation Crossroads, the testing of atomic bombs at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Carmen’s decorations include the World War II Victory Medal.
Lawrence Colelli Larry served in U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, 41st Field Artillery Brigade as a Technician 4th Grade Radio Operator serving in the European Theater of Operations. Larry’s awards include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal. Larry is also a Past President of Solvay-Geddes Veterans and former Post Commander of the Stanley B. Pennock VFW Post.
Daniel Dantuono At age 17, Dan enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 an Aviation Cadet. While undergoing Pilot Training, Dan’s training was interrupted due to a surplus of pilots. Dan’s awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
William A. Del Favero Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 as an Aviation Machinist, Crew Chief, and Tunnel Gunner with combat aircrew wings in the Pacific Theater of Operations. As a Navy aircrew member Bill’s duties were to bomb and strafe Japanese held islands and ships, preventing the resupply of the islands of Truk, Kaviang, Satawan, Rabaul, and others. Working from airfields located on Munda, Funafuti, and Espiritos Santos, Bill and his crew were flying low level missions which exposed them to a great deal of ground fire but they were able to return with machine gun fire which resulted in the sinking of many small wooden ships. On July 26, 1944 a five ship Japanese convoy was sighted and attacked by Bill’s crew which resulted in three of the ships immediately sinking. On a bombing raid of Satawan atoll, Bill’s crew shot down 2 Japanese fighters. Bill’s decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 battle stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Aircrew Insignia with 2 stars.
John J. Demperio Jay served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 as a Military Police Corporal assigned to the 1259th Military Police Company (Aviation) with service in England, France, and Brazil. Jay provided air field security for airports in England and France, was a motorcycle MP, and escorted convoys for the invasion of France on D-Day. Jay is a combat veteran of the Normandy invasion, and the Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. Jay’s decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Paul F. DiGiulio Paul served in the U.S. Army from July 1943 to November 1946 attaining the rank of Sergeant. Drafted out of high school, Paul was trained in anti-aircraft and transferred into infantry and sent overseas for the Battle of the Bulge. When he arrived, General Patton had broken through the German lines and it took him a week to catch up with his outfit. Paul served with the 71st Division as a Radio Operator and Auto Mechanic in Germany and Austria. Paul’s awards include the Army of Occupation Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Frank Fernandez Frank served in the U.S. Army Aircorps from 1942 to 1946 as a Warrant Officer serving stateside as a Finance Officer at Fort Dix, Miami, and Fort Benjamin Harrison. Frank was kept on active duty after the war to audit defense contracts. Franks’ awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
Fred Frachetti Fred served in Army Air Corps and his awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
Albert Francescotti Al served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 as a Radio Operator with the 55th Armored Engineer Battalion, 10th Armored Division, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Assigned to the European Theater, Al is a combat veteran of the Battle of Metz, Battle of Bastogne, Ardennes Campaign, Central Europe Campaign and the Rhineland Campaign. Al’s decorations include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Michael Gasapo Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947, attaining the rank of Corporal. Given his language proficiency in Spanish, Mike was assigned as Duty NCO for 566 Puerto Rican troops training for the war effort at Camp Joseph Robinson, Arkansas. Mike had received orders to go overseas but those orders were rescinded in August 1945 after the atomic bombing of Japan. Mike’s awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
Chester Malys Chet served in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron from March 1943 to October 1945, attaining the rank of Corporal. Chet left Solvay along with many others for Fort Niagara and Augusta GA for training. In 1944 his outfit left for Europe and he faced combat in France, Luxembourg, Germany, and Austria. Chet’s decorations include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Manuel M. Martinez Manny served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Upon completion of Army Specialized Training in Foreign Area and Languages, Manny was assigned to US Army’s 76th Infantry Division, 304th Infantry Regiment, Company ‘E’, serving in the European Theater of Operations. As a rifleman, Manny volunteered for the Regimental Combat Patrol Team, a 30 man squad assigned Tiger Patrol missions. While on a Tiger Patrol during the Battle of Ardennes, Manny was wounded by machine gun fire. Hospitalized in France and England, Manny returned to the U.S. on the first convoy after Victory in Europe Day and was sent to Mason General Hospital on Long Island. Manny is a combat veteran of the Battle of Rhineland and the Battle of Ardennes. Manny’s awards include 2 Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, and Combat Infantry Badge. A Founding Member of Solvay-Geddes Veterans, Manny has also served as President of the organization.
Joseph T. Micheletti Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 (WWII) and 1953 to 1954 (Korea) as a Commissary Man First Class (Ship’s Cook). During WWII Joe was assigned to the repair ship USS Tutila (ARG-4) and destroyer USS Picking (DD-685) in the Pacific Theater of Operations serving in the area of the Solomon Islands, San Pedro Bay Philippine Islands, and China. During Korea Joe was assigned to the destroyer USS Wedderburn (DD-684) which was providing plane guard for the fast carriers of Task Force 77 off the coast of Korea. Joe’s decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Edward Musengo Ed served in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron as part of General Patton’s 3rd Army push from England through France into Nazi Germany. Ed was in the lead reconnaissance team, on a jeep armed with a .50 caliber machine gun when they encountered a German Tiger heavy tank. Ed’s awards include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Norman E. Nicolini Norm served as an Infantry Medic in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 with the 8th Army, 98th Infantry Division in Osaka Japan and the 128th Station Hospital, the first Army Hospital established in Japan. Norm’s decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal.
Louis Nudo Lou served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 stateside as a Troop Escort in the Transportation Corps. Lou’s awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
Raymond D. Palladino Ray was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1943, and sent to Mississippi for training to fight under enemy fire. Ray was then assigned to the 230th Station Hospital at Fort A.P. Hill as a clerk in the office. In July 1944 Ray’s Hospital unit was shipped overseas to the Pacific Theater of Operations based in Hawaii where seriously wounded GIs were treated after being flown in from the battlefronts in the Pacific. Ray’s awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
John Panighetti John served in the U.S. Army’s 78th Division, 310th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company ‘L’ in the European Theater of Operations. He is a combat veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Battle of Remagen, Central Europe Campaign, and was in the first platoon the cross and secure the Bridge at Remagen (Ludendorff Bridge). Capture of this bridge was an important event in WWII Europe as it was the only significant bridge still standing over the Rhine River from the West into the heartland of Nazi Germany. Receiving fierce artillery fire from Germans, John was one of a handful of soldiers who went on a Reconnaissance mission to the top of a nearby hill to ascertain where the fire was coming from when they were overtaken by German soldiers. Taken as a Prisoner of War to Stalag 11, when American Forces were approaching the P.O.W. camp, John was transferred to a train for transport deeper into Germany. When the train was spotted by and fired upon by 3 American fighter planes, the German soldiers opened the train cars and the prisoners still alive spilled out, quickly signaled the pilots by lining up to spell POW, and the planes tipped their wings in a sign of recognition and flew off. Before the German soldiers had a chance to form up the prisoners for a forced march, John escaped into the woods. Although he became lost in the woods and sick with fever, John was eventually found, unconscious by the side of the road, by an American soldier. John’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Battle Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster.
Mario Panighetti Mario served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 in the 8th Army, 24th Infantry Division attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following basic training at Fort Sill, OK, Mario was sent to the 24th Division in Mindanao Philippines, assigned to the 11th Field Artillery Battalion, HQ Fire Direction, a 155mm howitzer unit. After the official end of Campaigns, Mario’s unit continued to mop up Japanese resistance in the Philippines. In October 1945 Mario was sent to the island of Shikoku Japan and began occupation duties, engaging in patrolling and policing. Mario’s awards include the Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Henry Ponti A United States Marine, Henry served in the 3rd Marine Division from 1942 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Henry is a combat veteran of the Marshall Island Campaign and the Battle of Guam. While serving on Guam, still a teenager and the youngest member of his platoon, Henry was transferred to Admiral Nimitz’s Security Staff one evening. The next morning the rest of his platoon set off on a mission, none of whom were to return. Henry’s decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Joseph Ranieri Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater and is a veteran of the Battle of Okinawa. Joe’s awards include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Dan Simiele Dan served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a Seaman First Class aboard the liberty ship USS Arkab (AK-130) and destroyer USS Lindsay (DM-32) in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Dan’s awards include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
William Waters A United States Marine, Bill enlisted in August 1942. After Boot Camp and Demolition School at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, Bill attended Bomb Disposal School at American University, Washington DC. Serving in the Pacific Theater as a Bomb Disposal Specialist, Bill removed Japanese bomb shells and disposed of booby traps on Randova Island and rendered safe a United States bomb by removing the fuse and manned a 50 caliber anti-air gun on Munda Airfield. After attending a second bomb disposal school in Australia, Bill was deployed to Guam. While on Guam, Bill used his explosives expertise to blow trees down to allow for US anti-air guns to be used, safely disposed of Japanese ammunition that had been stored in a cave (and in the process was bitten by a scorpion), diffused numerous Japanese bombs which allowed for the air strip to be made longer for use by the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, disposed of a booby trap at the airbase and while removing the fuse from the explosive it blew his hand apart. Bill also contracted malaria and dingee fever while on Guam. In 1945, Bill returned to the US for another bomb disposal school during which time the war ended. Having left high school early to join the Marine Corps, Bill graduated from Solvay High School in 1949. Bill’s awards include the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
John Zingaro John served in the U.S. Army and his awards include the World War II Victory Medal. John is also a Past President of Solvay-Geddes Veterans.
Nicholas Zingaro A United States Marine, Nick enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Nick is a combat veteran of the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and his decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Sergeant Major Nick Zingaro retired from service in 1980 and is a Past President of Solvay-Geddes Veterans and former Post Commander for the Stanley B. Pennock VFW Post.