World War II Honoree

Joseph J. Pallitta, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Newark, New Jersey

Honored By

Grateful American

Relationship

Admirer

SERVED AS A MEDIC PARATROOPER IN THE 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION. HE WAS TAKEN PRISONER BY THE GERMAN ARMY DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE ON JANUARY 3, 1945. SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER HIS CAPTURE, HE AND 4 OTHER AMERICAN SOLDIERS ESCAPED WHILE BEING MARCHED FROM ONE POW CAP TO ANOTHER. HE WAS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL FOR WOUNDS AND THE BRONZE STAR FOR BRAVERY.