Spotlight on Joe Vecchio, veteran of the month in honor of Veteran’s Day

Decorated with TWO Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for bravery in WWII, Joe Vecchio is an American hero and a notable veteran of war

Few people know there is a TRIPLE HERO Veteran amongst us: Joe Vecchio who resides in Mission Viejo, CA served in the US Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany and the battle in France. He was awarded TWO Purple Hearts for wounds received in the line of duty and for meritorious action against the enemy for each battle.

The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. Joe was also awarded the rarely given Silver Star medal as a result of enemy action on April 10, 1945. The Silver Star is the fourth highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces, and the third highest given for valor (in the face of the enemy).

An official copy of Joe’s award record from the United States Army states “For gallantry in action in Luxembourg on 15 January 1945, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States. During a fierce enemy counterattack at Neiderfeulen, Luxembourg, S. Sgt. Vecchio exposed himself to severe fire and by firing a machine gun and throwing hand grenades he delayed the attack while his company made a flanking assault to inflict great losses on and rout the hostile forces. His aggressiveness and his gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.”

After the war he was awarded the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) (1940-1945) for exceptional service rendered for the ensuing battle to the country of Luxembourg by the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. Joe fondly recalls meeting General George S. Patton in a field hospital while being treated for wounds suffered in the line of duty. Patton was visiting the wounded and saw Joe with his Purple Heart and told him he was lucky. Joe was born in Licata, Sicily where he lived for 15 years. His father was an American. He came to the United States with his mother and lived in Cleveland, Ohio until he was drafted in 1942.

Joe met his wife Marilyn (Zappala) at a Renaissance Lodge meeting in 2001. They married in 2004. Writer’s Note: Dear Mr. Vecchio; As an Italian American I am glad you survived the war and especially glad that you are with us to be honored now. We proudly salute and thank you and all the othe war veterans who aren’t mentioned. If we enjoy our freedom, then we should thank the Veterans we know.

Kathy De Santis
contributor