The efforts of a Vermont Guardsman and his mom has brought a Watertown family together and recognized a local WWII vet who died in France in 1944.
Capt. Zachariah Fike came across a Purple Heart Medal belonging to Pvt Corrado Piccoli, a 1942 graduate of Watertown High School. His mom bought it in an antique store and Capt. Fike pledged to return it to the Piccoli family and today in an emotional ceremony the Piccoli family made Capt Fike a member of their family and the medals were presented to the Italian American Civic Association for permanent display.
It was of those ceremonies I was glad to be part of along with Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Tony Keating, who was keynote speaker.
Capt. Fike is a remarkable young man and soldier. It was a good day to enjoy being an American and a Watertown resident.
Watertown Daily Times The tale of a Purple Heart
3 comments:
Hey, that's a pretty cool story. Thanks for sharing it Mr Mayor. I didn't read or hear about it anywhere else. Good work. I used to live near the Army Reserve building on Massey St, named after two guys, Leso and Leano. I remember when the history of those two guys was taught to us in our school history lessons. This is unforgettable.
Where is this man buried? Is he here in the Watertown area?
My brother, Corrado Piccoli, is buried in Plot#7 in Glenwood cemetary in Watertown Center. Repeatedly, we have replaced a flag at his gravesite and over the years everyone of them have been stolen. If you like, you are graciously welcome to visit the gravesit but please leave the flags in their place of honor and respect.
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