WW I - WE WERE THERE
It was estimated that, during the two years of the war (1917–18), Italian-American servicemen made up approximately 12% of the total American forces, a disproportionately high percentage of the total.
Michael Valente recipient of the highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War One
Born on February 5, 1895, in Cassino, Italy, Valente immigrated to the United States and joined the Army in 1917 from Ogdensburg, New York.
World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, War On Terror Veterans, Italian Americans Served
WW II - We Were There
John Basilone
United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal Campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Over 1.5 million Italian-Americans served in the armed forces during World War II, amounting to some 10% of American soldiers in total. Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Gino Marchetti, Andy Robustelli, Edward J. DeBartolo, Frank Capra, Tony Bennett, Louis Zamperini, Rocky Marciano, Henry Mancini, Lou LaCivita
For actions during World War II, 472 United States military personnel received the Medal of Honor. Fourteen ITAM's received the Medal of Honor. Italian Americans were the largest ethnic group to fight as far as the American military.
a personal look at one of our friends
FRANK D'ANDREA
- Frank D'Andrea was born in Gambrele, Italy Province of Chieti in 1922. Frank immigrated to the US at age 16 to Pittsburgh, PA to a very strong Italian community just a few miles from the downtown area. Those who were in that community didnt always have their entire family members arrive with them at the same time. In Frank's case, saving money to bring his mother and sisters to the US was paramount prior to his enlisting to serve during WW II. Unfortunately, mom and siblings were still in Italy as war broke out.
- Frank served in the US Army Mechanized Infantry during WW II as a T5 Corporal earning the GCM, American Defense Service Medal, WW II Victory Medal, EAME (European, African, Middle East) Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars. Frank participated in The Battle of the Bulge as well as several other significant campaigns. Meanwhile, Frank's family in Italy had been experiencing extremely difficult living conditions at the hands of Mussolini's alliance with the Nazi regime. At one point, Frank's mom was placed in a firing squad to be executed. Frank's 8 year old sister pleaded with a German soldier on behalf of her mom and was granted compassion and her mom was released.
- As the war was nearing an end, Frank took leave to visit his family in Italy after not having seen them for 8 years. Upon entering the vilage in uniform, he was cheered and treated as the war hero that he was. The paisans ( villagers ) were so very happy that the pure suffering of the war had come to an end and liberation was imminent. Frank served proudly and was reunited with family.
KOREAN WAR - WE WERE THERE
KOREAN WAR, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953
146 Medals of Honor Awarded Including
ITAM Medal of Honor Recipients
Reginald B. Desiderio - Clairton, Pennsylvania
Joseph Vittori- Beverly, Massachusetts
Italian Americans continued to serve with distinction in the military, with four Medal of Honor recipients in the Korean War Era
A PERSONAL LOOK AT ONE OF OUR FRIENDS
JOE SPENNADA - RHODE ISLAND
Joe Spanedda served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. Drafted in 55 he was trained for combat infantry and combat medical services at Camp Pickett in Virginia. Upon completing training, Joe was handed a carbine rifle and orders to be deployed to Korea. His orders were changed just prior to shipping out as the fighting ended on 27 July 1953, when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. Joe was then assigned to Fort Belvior, VA as a Ward master in the Hospital Prison Ward. Joe attained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1955 with a good conduct medal. Joe is very proud of his service to our country.
RHODE ISLAND VETERANS CEMETERY
Joe eventually became R.I. State Commander for the ITAM's and in 1990, while paying respects to a fallen comrade at the state cemetery, noticed the lack of an ITAM monument. A committee was formed to pursue a project for a stone, Joe, Dando DiManna, Antonio Alfano - PNC - Romano DelRossi and Chester Bruno. The group would seek out the Castelucci Granite Company for their guidance. Gerald Castelucci generously donated the granite stone to be cut and inscribed. 1991 saw Anthony Piccirilli became R.I. State Commander and he continued to support the venture. The monument was completed and dedicated at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery on July 12, 1992.
GREAT JOB TO JOE AND ALL
VIETNAM WAR - WE WERE THERE
American involvement: 1 November 1955 – 27 January 1973
(17 years, 2 months, 3 weeks and 5 days)
BROTHERS IN ARMS
MANY CITIES THRU THE U.S. HAVE MEMORIALIZED THE VIETNAM VETS
THE WAR ON TERROR - WE ARE THERE
Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan
Operation Iraqi Freedom
International Military Intervention Against ISIL
OUR MISSION
- To aid and assist veterans and their families
- To assist public and private agencies and institutions endeavoring to promote the public welfare
- To foster, encourage and promote social, civic, historical, athletic, patriotic, musical and scientific activities and affairs
- To uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the United States and to preserve and defend it from her enemies
- To uphold true allegiance to the government of the United States and fidelity to the Constitution
- To promote patriotism, advance the civic welfare, encourage benevolence, stimulate charity, champion the cause education and inspire friendship
- To stimulate a feeling of mutual devotion, helpfulness and comradwship amoung all veterans, spouses and survivors
- To encourage and develope in all people a spirit of good will, fellowship and understanding as a guard against future wars and chaos
NATIONAL CONVENTION
AUGUST 22-24, 2019
ATTEND THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN SYRACUSE, NY TO BE HELD AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN - 6004 FAIR LAKES RD, EAST SYRACUSE, NY
315-431-4800. SPECIAL ROOM RATE OF $98.00 PER NIGHT, USE PROMO CODE "ITAM"
NY STATE FAIR AUGUST 21 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2019
The Great New York State Fair is a 13-day showcase of agriculture, entertainment, education and technology. With midway rides, concessionaires, exhibits and concerts
National Italian American War Veterans Auxiliary
OUR PREAMBLE
We, the Mothers, Wives, Sisters, Nieces, Aunts and Daughters of the honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, having joined together in the formation and maintenance of the Italian American War Veterans of the United States Ladies Auxiliary, do formally and officially pledge our allegiance and loyalty, without any reservation whatsoever, to our Nation’s Constitution and Government and all of its subordinate units; to work for the betterment and care of our veterans, their spouses, widows, widowers, and dependents; to perpetuate the ideals of God and Country; and to engage in community, patriotic, and veterans’ work, beneficial to the citizenry at-large.
Our Motto:
If we cannot do good to a Sister – do her no harm.
