My dad lived all his life in Somerville, born and grew-up on Hanson St. My dads name was Araldo Palmacci but he was given the nick name Tarzan that stuck with him because he loved climbing trees as a boy. My dad and his brother Charles A. Palmacci served during World War II, my dads brother was killed and missing during bombing action over the Pacific Ocean. The playground park on Hanson St. is named in his honor. My dad fought and was in action during the Battle of Normandy, France, June 6, 1944. The following is what I wrote in dedication to those who served during World War II and for the 70 year anniversary of D-Day. It was published in my towns local news paper and I thought I would share it with this group, since my dad was from Somerville and lived on Hanson St. Seventy years ago on June 6, 1944, a great invasion took place on the shores of Normandy, France, to liberate Europe from the evil darkness and enslavement of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. My dad fought in the battle of Normandy, later to be wounded at Saint Lo, France. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for saving his friends life. My dad never talked much about his war experience during World War II. Only once did he give me a glimpse of what he went through during a reconnaissance patrol in which he was sent out ahead to see if the area was cleared of Germans and got trapped when machine-gun fire opened up, killing the platoon radioman instantly and leaving my dad in the middle of nowhere some 10 yards away from his comrades. My dad spent a cold, rainy night waiting to get back to safety with no sleep because the Germans were not far from his position. When early morning came, my dad heard silence and crawled back to his lines where his platoon waited for him. Like so many other World War II veterans, my dad passed away a few years ago at the age of 95, but whenever the anniversary of D-Day-the invasion and battle of Normandy, France-comes around, I remember the one story my dad told me on what he experienced during that great historical event and to realize that he and so many other men gave so much in service to country during World War II so that following generations could live free without fear. I just want to thank them for their sacrifice and heroic deeds they made for my liberty.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 21:57:53 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015