Fluent in several languages when he entered the military, Egidio Mangiardi became part of a Military Intelligence Unit that operated throughout Europe during World War II. Editor’s Note: Egidio passed away in January 2018. This article was published in the August 2016 issue of Fra Noi and is being republished here in his memory. One of 11 children, Egidio Mangiardi […]
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As a corporal in Korea, Edward DePasque readied howitzer shells for loading, shot flares to guide troop movement at night and even did a stint as a cook. Edward DePasque was born in his parents’ home on 36th and Francisco in Chicago. He was one of nine children; two died as infants. His mother, Victoria Marino, was from Salerno and […]
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Born a century ago in Chicago Heights, Ted Micci is a living testament to the determination of the crews who flew bombing missions over Europe during World War II.
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Having stared death in the face as a BAR gunner in Korea, Frank Calé was glad to close out his tour of duty as the platoon cook. Editor’s Note: Frank passed away in November 2020. This article was published in the April 2017 issue of Fra Noi and is being republished here in his memory. Frank Calé was born in […]
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As a platoon sergeant, Al Provenzano was responsible for shepherding his men across Europe from Omaha Beach to the brink of Berlin, earning a Purple Heart and five Battle Stars along the way. Editor’s Note: All passed away March 2018. This article was published in the April 2017 issue of Fra Noi and is being republished here in his memory. […]
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A newly minted Marine at the start of the Gulf Wars, Bob Larsen was picked to serve in the courtroom rather than on the battlefield. Bob Larsen was born in Arlington, Virginia. One of four children born to Robert L. and Joan Campagna Larsen, he also has a brother and sister from his father’s second marriage. With roots in the […]
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Having served as a weather observer in southern Illinois after World War II, Mario Ortigara never expected to be called back up and thrown into the teeth of battle in Korea. Mario Ortigara was born in his parents’ home on the South Side of Chicago, where brother Benny welcomed him. A few years later, sister Mary joined the family. Anna […]
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A Navy machinist mate during World War II, Al Cenofante kept everything from landing crafts to full-fledged attack transports running smoothly. One of four children, Al Centofante was born in Chicago to Angelo and Teresa Panarese Centofante. The family lived at Polk and Campbell streets, with Teresa selling groceries from a small basement store to make extra money during the […]
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Charles Ippolito was set to ship off to Korea when he was assigned to a newly re-activated Marine Division that saw extensive combat in the Pacific during World War II. The third of four children, Charles “Muzzy” Ippolito was born in 1931 in his parents’ home at 13th and Paulina. Calogero and Maria (D’Angelo) Ippolito emigrated from Sicily after they […]
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As a member of the 34th Infantry Division during World War II, he battled his way up the peninsula where his father was born. One of five children, Ferdinand Prestia was born in 1921 to Peter and Jenny (Tavolina). His father immigrated to Chicago from Marsala, Italy, by himself when he was 17 years old. The family moved several times […]
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