Brooklyn Veteran Receives WWII Medals 64 Years Later

In a special tribute perfectly fit for the Memorial Day, Representative Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn and Queens) honored a 92-year old Brooklyn veteran by presenting him with service medals earned during World War II.
Brooklyn Veteran Receives WWII Medals 64 Years Later
5/26/2009
Updated:
5/26/2009
NEW YORK—In a special tribute perfectly fit for the Memorial Day, Representative Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn and Queens) honored a 92-year old Brooklyn veteran by presenting him with service medals earned during World War II.

“This is a long overdue tribute. I am honored to recognize a man who proudly wore the uniform of this country and courageously served our nation,” stated Rep. Weiner.

Sixty-four years after his discharge, Pasquale Caroselli was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Service medal with six Bronze stars, which represents his service in six battles in North Africa, France, and Italy, Good Conduct medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity in active Federal Military service, American Campaign medal for honorable service, World War II Victory medal, and the Honorable Service World War II Lapel Button.

Mr. Caroselli served as a technical officer in the 546th Ordinance Company’s mobile repair unit between 1942 and 1945. As part of his duty, he supervised German prisoners who repaired American artillery and vehicles.

As he was rushing to return home on Christmas morning in 1945, Mr. Caroselli did not stop to file papers necessary to receive his earned medals. His subsequent efforts to obtain these medals in the late 1970s were interrupted when he learned that official records required to prove his service were burned in a St. Louis Army facility fire.

“I am thrilled and very grateful that Congressman Weiner helped secure my medals. At age 92, this is especially meaningful to me. It brings back memories of the great men that I served with in the 546th Ordinance Company,” said Mr. Caroselli.

Mr. Caroselli announced his long-held wish to attain his WWII medals at a birthday celebration earlier this year. His family reached out to Rep. Weiner, who was able to use copies of the veteran’s discharge papers as evidence of his service.