Last September, Dr. Neil Tonnesen called Congressmember Gary Ackerman’s office with a little problem. It seems his 85-year-old father-in-law, Mauro Mariani of Auburndale, had lost the Purple Heart he was awarded for a wound received in World War II.
Ackerman, like any good representative, made the appropriate inquiries with the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. and during the course of the inquiry, it was discovered Mariani was entitled to an oak leaf cluster on his Purple Heart – signifying a second award of the medal for another combat wound.
Remarkably, it was also discovered that Mariani was nearly 65 years overdue to receive other honors – a Bronze Star Medal; Good Conduct Medal; World War II Victory Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a battle star; his Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Sharpshooter’s badge for both rifle and carbine, and an honorable service lapel button for civilian wear.
Mariani served with a light weapons platoon during the war in Europe, from May 31, 1943 to October 17, 1945 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. All these years, he had been unaware that he was due these honors.
The old warrior received his medals, along with a flag that was flown over the Capitol building, at a private ceremony at Ackerman’s Bayside office, attended by his inquisitive son-in-law and daughter, Marguerite Mariani-Tonnesen, as well as his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Brigitte Mariani. – Victor G. Mimoni
