I never had the honor of meeting Rocco Moretto. But, through some volunteer work I did with a couple of military charities (notably The Mission Continues) I've been at a couple of events at the Long Island City VFW Post 2348, which was named after Moretto in 2013. From the post's website:
Rocco Moretto is a U.S. Army veteran, who was drafted in February 1943 and served in Europe as a combat infantryman with Co. C, 26th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He landed with his unit on Omaha Beach in Normandy June 6, 1944, and fought with his unit in every major engagement for the rest of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Huertgen Forest. He remained in combat for 11 months until May 8, 1945, known as Victory in Europe Day.
During that period, Moretto was one of only two men from his original company of 219 who survived without being captured or wounded. He was discharged as a staff sergeant and returned home in 1945.
Following the war, Moretto worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, later Amtrak, until he retired in 1985. He has received a number of honors, including in 2004 when he was presented the Legion of Honor Award from the government of France, the country’s highest military honor. Moretto is a longtime member of the United War Veterans Council of New York, post commander of American Legion Post 6 in Manhattan and has been affiliated with VFW Post 2348 for more than 45 years.Rest in piece, Rocco Moretto.
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