Army Personal First Class Tedesco served on D-Day and within the Battle of the Bulge
Proven from left-to-right: Chautauqua County Government PJ Wendel, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Patricia Lindfors, daughter of PFC Tedesco; PFC Thomas Tedesco; Senator George Borrello; and Roseann Carlson, daughter of PFC Tedesco.
Senator George Borrello acknowledged the distinguished service of United States Army Personal First Class Thomas A. Tedesco with a particular presentation of navy medals earned throughout World Warfare II.
Senator Borrello made the presentation throughout a ceremony on the Fenton Historic Heart in Jamestown. Attending the occasion have been household and associates of Mr. Tedesco in addition to native officers and fellow veterans.
“I’m honored to have the ability to acknowledge Personal Tedesco for his service throughout World Warfare II,” Senator Borrello mentioned. “It’s gratifying to have the chance to pay tribute to such a rare man who was a part of the trouble to liberate Europe from Nazi rule. He bravely and selflessly went off to warfare when his nation known as upon him, placing his personal life in danger with a purpose to defeat tyranny. Whereas the sacrifices he made in devoted service to our nation can by no means be adequately repaid, with these medals, we specific our gratitude and admiration.”
The son of Anthony and Rose Tedesco, he was born June 18, 1924 in Falconer. A machine store inspector, Thomas was drafted into the U.S. Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on February 4, 1943 and reported for lively responsibility at Previous Fort Niagara one week later.
After coaching as a truck driver and air cargo specialist, Personal Tedesco was despatched to England on December 12, 1943, becoming a member of the 325th Ferry Squadron, 9th Air Pressure. The 325th supplied passenger, mail and logistical help to all American navy items in the UK.
On D-Day, the 325th Ferry Squadron joined an armada of 1,400 C-47s, C-53s, C-109s, 2,000 gliders and 40,000 males – all alerted for or instantly engaged in Operation Overlord or D-Day – however the unit continued to help rear echelon allied forces nonetheless in England.
Personal Tedesco’s superiors advisable that he be assigned to navy police duties. When he declined, he discovered himself moved to the entrance traces with project to the 347th Infantry Regiment. The 347th, a part of the 87th Infantry Division, arrived in Scotland on Oct. 22, 1944, skilled in England and landed in France the primary week of December 1944. It moved to the entrance traces at Metz and went into motion in opposition to German forces holding Fort Driant.
On December 10, 1944, the 347th moved close to the Saar-German border. It was on the entrance traces when Germany launched what was to turn into the Battle of the Bulge. Regardless of robust opposition, the 347th repelled the assault and superior, crossing the Kyll River. In steady preventing, the unit then crossed the Rhine River on March 18, 1945.
By April 17, 1945, the division took up defensive positions about 4 miles from the border to Czechoslovakia and remained there for V-E Day.
On Might 6, 1945, the 347th Infantry made U.S. Army historical past by capturing 10,242 German Army officers and troopers, the biggest a part of a mass give up of 40,000 enemy personnel that crossed into American traces. At some point later, Might 7, Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies in Reims, France, ending World Warfare II and the Third Reich.
Personal Tedesco was discharged December 16, 1945 at Fort Dix, having served one 12 months, three months and 6 days of service within the continental United States and one 12 months and 7 months abroad.
In honor of his excellent service, Senator Borrello introduced to Personal Tedesco, the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest particular person navy award for valor; the Good Conduct Medal; the American Marketing campaign Medal; the European-African-Center Jap Marketing campaign Medal with two bronze service stars; the World Warfare II Victory Medal; the Fight Infantryman Badge, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.
As well as, from the New York State Division of Army and Naval Affairs, he obtained the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and Medal For Benefit.
“Personal Tedesco’s wartime service and his humility surrounding his contributions are typical of those that are a part of the Biggest Technology. He made super sacrifices and laid his life on the road for our nation, however by no means sought consideration or thanks,” mentioned Senator Borrello. “In the present day was our alternative to let him know our neighborhood and nation are immensely grateful for his brave service.”
