World War II Honoree

Peter Louis Dal Ponte

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Three Rivers, Michigan

Honored By

Crystal, Michael, Tom Dal Ponte & Kristi Maling

Relationship

Wife, Sons & Daughter

2ND LIEUTENANT RESERVE OFFICER CALLED TO DUTY WITH 32ND INFANTRY NATIONAL GUARD DIVISION. STATIONED AT CAMP LIVINGSTON, LOUISIANA. DEPARTED IN 1942 WITH THE 126TH INFANTRY REGIMENT OF THE 32ND DIVISION (RED ARROW) FOR DUTY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC LANDING IN ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA. REMAINED FOR 3 YEARS WITH THE 32ND FIGHTING THE JAPANESE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC MAKING AMPHIBIOUS LANDINGS FROM NEW GUINEA TO THE PHILIPPINES. RETURNED STATESIDE A MAJOR IN JUNE OF 1945 AND INTEGRATED INTO REGULAR ARMY. AMONG THE DECORATIONS RECEIVED, WAS AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS FOR HEROISM ON DECEMBER 9, 1942 NEAR SANANANDA, NEW GUINEA. REMAINED IN ACTIVE DUTY FOR 32 YEARS UNTIL RETIREMENT IN 1972.