World War II Honoree

Joseph L. Centra

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Marcel, Linda, Mark and Dino Centra

Relationship

Family and Friends

SERVED FROM 1943 TO 1945. AS A SCOUT FOR THE 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION'S RECONNAISSANCE CAVALRY TROOP, HE WAS THE FIRST AMERICAN TO ENTER HIS FATHER'S VILLAGE OF CARPINETO ROMANO IN ITALY AFTER THE GERMANS RETREAT ON JUNE 5, 1944. HE PARTICIPATED IN 7 OF THE DIVISIONS 8 CAMPAIGNS WHICH INCLUDED SICILY, SALERNO, ANZIO, ROME-ARNO, SOUTHERN FRANCE, ARDENNES-ALSACE AND RHINELAND. AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR, PURPLE HEART, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR 2 BEACHHEAD LANDINGS AND OTHER DECORATIONS.