After 62 years, old soldier gets his medals

Antipodean Andy · Jul 13, 2008

Conn. man gets overdue medals for WWII service - Boston.com

WOLCOTT, Conn.—Pasquale "Pat" Famiglietti of Wolcott never expected any fanfare for serving his country. The World War II veteran rarely mentions his Army career even to his family.

It took 62 years, but he has finally collected the awards owed to him since he retired from active duty.

Famiglietti returned from his post overseas in 1946 and enrolled at the University of Connecticut to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. His studies took precedence over the effort required to claim his military accolades.

"I said, 'Oh, heck. I'm not going to bother with that stuff right now,'" he said with a laugh.

The awards remained buried in the back of his mind until idle chatter on an airplane shifted to the subject of war.

"He told me his story about the war and his medals," said Stephen Bosco, his son-in-law. "He knew he had earned some awards, but he didn't know how many. I said, 'I'm going to get your medals for you.'"

Family members contacted U.S. Rep. Christopher S. Murphy, D-Conn., who had previously helped veterans obtain awards.

On a recent afternoon at Wolcott's Town Hall Council Chamber, Murphy presented seven medals to Famiglietti, including the Good Conduct Medal, which one of his sons pinned on his chest.

"We've been able to get medals for a number of veterans, but I'm not sure we've given out as many as seven before," Murphy said.

In addition, Famiglietti received the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. Mayor Thomas G. Dunn also gave him a plaque for his service to the town.

Wolcott state Rep. John "Corky" Mazurek attended the July 7 ceremony, joined by Famiglietti's family, friends, and members of the American Legion.

Despite Famiglietti's reluctance to accept recognition, he was eager to join the military from an early age. At 17, he asked the Selective Service to reserve a spot for him in the Army as soon as he turned 18. He became the youngest city resident to enlist, according to archives of the Waterbury American.

"The Selective Service Office told me I was saving someone from being drafted," Famiglietti said.

He still remembers the date he bid his family and his hometown farewell: Feb. 19, 1941. He appeared in a front-page photo of the Waterbury American, one hand holding onto the rail of a train, the other waving goodbye.

Famiglietti received artillery training, then shipped off to France in 1942. He participated in the D-Day landing and was in a unit that coordinated the movement of troops during the Invasion of Normandy.

"The ships were lined up so deep you could almost walk across the channel on them," he recalled.

After World War II, he served in the Army Reserve from 1946 to 1969, earning the rank of major.

Famiglietti graduated from Leavenworth High School and moved from Waterbury to Wolcott in 1960. He served 14 years on the Wolcott Board of Education and two years on the Town Council. He coached Little League Baseball for eight years, and boasts Dunn, the mayor, as one of his former players.

Famiglietti, 85, currently works as a real estate agent with Fercodini Real Estate of Wolcott and consults for Edson Manufacturing. He has six children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and resides at the Chestnut Hill Senior Complex.
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Still going strong!

Brian S · Jul 14, 2008

Medals

I had a good friend who died 4yrs ago without ever claiming his medals.
He served under age with the B.E.F. and came out at Dunkirk. He later served with the Commandos and landed on D.Day. Was badly wounded a week before the Armistace and flown Home.

His explanation for joining the Commandos was that he was bored with being stationed in Iceland, but said it was the last time he ever volunteered for anything.

Antipodean Andy · Jul 14, 2008

I'd say he made up for that boredom, Brian!

Hugh · Jul 15, 2008

My father died without claiming his medals he never mentioned them while he was alive. I dont know if he was bothered or cared about them. He always lived one day at a time - I guess as a result of being torpedoed and never knowing if he was going to survive the next voyage. I received them on his behalf about 5 or so years ago. We are very proud to have them though.

Veterans were not bothered about medals they only wanted to survive.

Regards
Hugh

Antipodean Andy · Jul 15, 2008

I imagine surviving would have been reward enough.

Brian S · Jul 16, 2008

Medals

Hugh said: ↑

My father died without claiming his medals he never mentioned them while he was alive. I dont know if he was bothered or cared about them. He always lived one day at a time - I guess as a result of being torpedoed and never knowing if he was going to survive the next voyage. I received them on his behalf about 5 or so years ago. We are very proud to have them though.

Veterans were not bothered about medals they only wanted to survive.

Regards
Hugh
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Hugh that's the impression I have with many Veterans.

Brian

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