To remember the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, NIAF is recognizing Italian Americans who sacrificed, served and defended peace, freedom and democracy during the war. This entry is a special submission from Russ Coriddi in honor of his father William and his two uncles.
Brothers William, Ferdinand and Pat Corridi served in the U.S. Army during WWII. The photo below only includes William and Ferdinand who had both fought in France and Germany during the war.
When the photo was taken, the war in Europe had just ended and the brothers had to walk several miles to a halfway point somewhere in Germany where they were able to reunite and spend some time together. William and Ferdinand were only 20 and 22 years old at the time.
“I’m proud of them and thank all veterans for their service,” said William’s son, Russ Coriddi.
The Coriddi family came to the United States in 1923 from Norma, Italy, and settled in Rochester, N.Y. Ferdinand was born in Italy as was an older sister, Leona. William was the first in of eight siblings born in the United States, with Pat being born there two years later.
“Our American family still enjoys a strong connection with our relatives in Norma, Italy, the Coriddi family and Celano family,” said Russ. “We are so proud of our Italian heritage.”
If you’d like to make a submission to NIAF’s #IAWW2Heroes initiative, email the photo and description to media@niaf.org.
Benvenuti to the NIAF Pensieri Blog 