Triumphant tribute: WWII veterans honored at Army-Navy game in Foxborough

This week’s column will catch you up on a couple of newsworthy events and activities that were lost in the crush of Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Local WWII Vets Honored at Army-Navy Game

Thanks to the efforts of John Cianci, head of the local chapter of Italian American War Veterans of the United States, three World War II veterans from the greater Providence area received VIP treatment at the Army-Navy football game in Foxboro on Dec. 9.

“I was hoping to have more,” Cianci told me. “But the challenges of health and age made it difficult for others to participate.”

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, less than 1% of the 16.1 million Americans who served during World War II are still alive today. That’s well under 100,000 people, and on average about 131 die every day.

The three who attended the game included 103-year-old former Cpl. Arthur Medeiros, an Army veteran from Bristol who served in Europe during World War II. “I was in the band,” he said, “but then things got tough and we all became infantrymen.” He earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, and fought in the famous Battle of the Bulge over Christmas 1944.

Former Pfc. Roger Desjardins of North Providence is 98 years old – and he can still get into his original-issue Army uniform, which he proudly wears to veteran functions. (When I think of the waistline battles I’ve lost over the years to a succession of uniforms, I’m very impressed.)

He participated in the invasion of New Guinea and the campaign to retake the Philippines, earning a Bronze Star along the way.

The third veteran was former Tech. Sgt. Caster Salemi of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, who is 101 years old. He tried to enlist in the Navy at the start of the war but was rejected due to color blindness. The Army was not so fussy when it drafted him in 1943. Like Desjardins, he was sent to New Guinea and then participated in the retaking of the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. He was a communications specialist with the 251st Field Artillery.

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Accompanied by volunteer aides, the three were treated like royalty by officials at Gillette Stadium and game sponsors. The largesse included an invitation to a sumptuous pre-game private spread at the Patriots Hall of Fame, sponsored by Raytheon/RTX. “OMG, the food and open bar for 3 hours …” commented one participant afterward.

With the support of the New England Patriots Foundation, Army and Air Force Exchange Services, USAA, Raytheon/ RTX, and The Mission Continues (a national veteran service organization), Cianci was able to arrange for a contingent of about 30 other local veterans to attend the game as well.

Cianci was inspired by the Honor Flight program, run by George Farrell and the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, which flies veterans to Washington at no cost so they can visit the military monuments and memorials. “This was the ‘Honor Game’ event,” said Cianci, who began working on this concept more than a year ago.

“I wanted to create another memory they will cherish,” said Cianci. “As for our team of volunteers and me, we will never forget it either.”

Quincy cruiser museum names display rooms for East Providence sailor

On Dec. 6, the U.S. Navy Cruisers Sailors Association honored retired Chief Petty Officer Ed August Sr. for his longtime contributions to that group.

In a ceremony at Linn Health & Rehabilitation in East Providence, where he is a resident, the group presented August with a citation and plaque commemorating the naming of two "cruiser compartments” aboard the USS Salem after him. The Salem is located at the U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum in Quincy, Massachusetts. The rooms display historical artifacts about the cruiser classes of Navy warships.

August, who retired from the Navy in 1971 after 20 years of service, served aboard several ships, the most memorable for him being the cruiser USS Worcester CL-144. He finished his career as a recruiter in Newport.

August co-founded the cruiser veterans group, which served as many as 4,000 members at the height of its activity.

“Today is Ed August’s day,” stated James Chryst of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who served aboard the cruiser USS Providence (CLG-6) during Vietnam. “Ed has preserved the history of United States cruiser sailors for future generations with his contributions to the museum over decades of his involvement.”

Ed’s late wife and children were all involved in the work of the Cruiser Association, helping with newsletter mailings to thousands of members and coordinating raffle prizes. They were recognized during the ceremony for their willingness to help their dad.

“I never expected anything like this,” August said as he reflected on the honor bestowed upon him. “My family was always there for me, and still is. I’m a little touched.”

Vets groups host joint holiday dinner

The Executive Committees of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, ROA and Association of the U.S. Army continued a long tradition by holding a joint Christmas/holiday dinner on Dec. 19. This year’s party took place at the Social restaurant on Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence.

Calendar

Monday, Jan. 15; 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Free Luncheon for Veteran and Guest:  Woodrow L. Sylvia VFW Post #5392, 134 Shove St., Tiverton 02878. Sponsor is Frontline Ministry for Freedom, Bristol. Email FLMFF401@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: WWII veterans honored at Army-Navy game in Foxboro