VFW veterans share their stories

Sal Pellegrino

On January 9, 1951, Sal Pellegrino joined the U.S. Army and was based in California before he was sent to fight in Korea. He was assigned to the heavy weapons platoon, which refers to the infantry equipped with machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. “I enjoyed most of my career,” he said, and added that the government should have never stopped the draft. “Boys get a great two-year education by joining the military.” Since returning from war, Pellegrino has been assisting other veterans and is currently East Meadow Veterans of Foreign Wars commander.

Gerard Barbosa

To date, Gerard Barbosa is one of the few living Pearl Harbor survivors. In 1941, he volunteered for the Navy and became a Seaman 1st Class aboard the USS Raleigh. According to the Naval Historical Center, “On 7 December 1941, Raleigh . . . was badly damaged when hit by a torpedo and near-missed a bomb.” Barbosa recalled that the front of his ship was hit during the first raid. “There was smoke, explosions all over the damn place,” he said. “I thought, ‘If I come out of this alive, I’m going to make people smile.'” He went on to fight off the coast of Europe before returning home to his wife who he has been married to for 53 years. Barbosa is a decorated military man and eligible for more awards, but humbly said he already has enough commendations.

Alfonso Caggiono

In 1953, 19-year-old Alfonso Caggiono was drafted into the U.S. Army and fought in the 36th infantry in Italy, France and Germany during World War II. He said he was overseas less than one month before he saw combat. “It was very blood. Too many people lost,” he said. “No matter how small the battle, if you die, it’s significant.” One date he easily recalled to mind was Aug. 15, 1944; the date America invaded Southern France. According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, “During the morning and the afternoon of the 15, the armor-supported American infantry slowly eliminated almost all resistance along the shoreline . . . and by the following day they had secured the two hill masses overlooking the beaches.” Caggiono, who recalled wearing the same clothes for months and was infected with malaria in Italy, won two bronze stars for heroic achievement. Eventually, he returned home and met his wife Phyllis. They will be married for 60 years next June. “I took off my uniform and didn’t think about it again for 40 years,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to get home.”

Stephen Gismondi

Stephen Gismondi was drafted to the army in January 1951 and returned in December 1952. He said he was based in Texas and Nevada before spending a year overseas fighting in Japan and Korea. “At the time I didn’t really appreciate it, but now I’m glad I served my country,” he said.