Rocco Moretto, a decorated World War II veteran who fought in the conflict from the beginning of the US’ engagement in Europe until the end, received a recognition that will live on for years to come.
On Thursday, June 6, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2348 in Astoria was renamed after Moretto. He was one of two soldiers from his entire infantry company to fight from the Allied landing in Normandy, France until the end of the war, when Moretto was in the former Czechoslovakia. He received several decorations from the Army for bravery.
“We are honoring one of our lifetime members to honor all World War II vets so they see how much we appreciate them,” said Michael Mehltretter, Post 2348 commander.
During the renaming, Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. presented Moretto with a City Council Citation. He also handed a $5,000 check to Post 2348 in honor of Moretto and on behalf of Tommy Vasilis, the owner of Strand Smokehouse.
“Rocco’s generation has been called the greatest ever, and he is living proof that is true,” said Vallone. “No one is more deserving of this honor, and I am proud to call Rocco my friend and role model.”
After coming home from serving in the war, Moretto dedicated himself to community service. In 1966, he earned a Certificate for Outstanding Community Service from the New York City Housing Administration at City Hall.
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