World War II Honoree

John A. Ranno

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Shirley, Massachusetts

Honored By

Charles B. Church III

ENTERED THE UNITED STATES ARMY FROM REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS IN 1946. BASIC TRAINING AT FORT MARTIN, NEAR SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. OF SEVERAL HUNDRED APPLICANTS, WAS CHOSEN FOR THE ARMY BAND. PRIMARY INSTRUMENTS INCLUDE THE CLARINET, SAXOPHONE AND THE PIANO. PLAYED IN THE SEATTLE AREA FOR ARRIVING AND DEPARTING TROOP SHIPS AND FOR SHIPS CARRYING DIGNITARIES. IN HIS CAPACITY AS AN ARMY MUSICIAN, MET MANY SHOW BUSINESS PERSONALITIES. AWARDED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL. AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS, HE RECEIVED AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE IN 1947.