Category: World War II Veteran

70th Anniversary of V-E Day

On By JMOIn Rocco Moretto, war history, world war II, World War II VeteranLeave a comment

This May 8 will mark the 70th Anniversary of V-E Day, the day Allied forces declared victory in Europe, signifying the official end of World War II (May 8, 1945).  The Czech Republic recognizes this day as Liberation Day – the day they were liberated from Nazi Germany.  Towards the end of the war in 1945, Rocco was stationed in Kraslice, CZ (formerly known as Graslitz when it was occupied by Germany) where he was in charge of a POW and displaced persons camp.

Morreto and Jaffe June 1945 Graslitz
Sgt. Rocco “Rocky” Moretto (left) and Sgt. Louis Jaffe (right) in Graslitz, Czechoslovakia. June 1945

Kraslice, which is located in the Karlovy Vary region,  is getting ready to celebrate the 70th anniversary of World War II and their liberation from Germany. The town is organizing a two-day commemoration of the event with festivities, including a military vehicle convoy, fireworks, and a historical exhibition featuring pictures and stories from the war.  Rocco’s picture and video account of his time in Kraslice will be part of the exhibit, which runs through May 12.  Rocco was invited by the Mayor of Kraslice to visit the town in observance of the celebration, but since he will be unable to travel his granddaughter will go in his place.

For more information and a schedule of events, please visit www.kraslice.cz

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Battle of The Bulge – 70th Anniversary

On By JMOIn Battle of the Bulge, Rocco Moretto, United States Army, war history, World War II VeteranLeave a comment
December 1944 SSG Battle of the Bulge Butgenbach, Belgium
December 1944
SSG
Battle of the Bulge
Butgenbach, Belgium

Today marks the 70th Anniversary of the end of the World War II battle that was fought in Belgium and Luxembourg from December 1944 through January 1945.  On December 16, with the onset of winter, the German army launched a counteroffensive that was intended to cut through the Allied forces in a manner that would turn the tide of the war in Hitler’s favor. The battle that ensued is known historically as The Battle of the Bulge (army.mil). Continue reading “Battle of The Bulge – 70th Anniversary” →

Army Birthday Gala

On By JMOIn Army 239th Birthday, Army Week, Rocco Moretto, United States Army, United War Veterans Council, World War II VeteranLeave a comment
Rocco with U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Ray Odierno and Pfc. Louis Angelici cut the Army birthday cake at the Army Week Association's celebration of the 239th Army Birthday Gala in New York City, June 12, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mikki L. Sprenkle)
Rocco with U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Ray Odierno and Pfc. Louis Angelici cut the Army birthday cake at the Army Week Association’s celebration of the 239th Army Birthday Gala in New York City, June 12, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mikki L. Sprenkle)

On Thursday June 12, 2014, Rocco attended the Army Birthday Gala in New York City during Army Week.  The Army celebrates it’s 239th Birthday today.  To celebrate, Rocco helped to cut the Birthday cake with U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Ray Odierno and Pfc. Louis Angelici.

Continue reading “Army Birthday Gala” →

Rocco Moretto Honored on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day

On By JMOIn 70th Anniversary, D-Day, Rocco Moretto, World War II VeteranLeave a comment
Rocco standing under the portrait that was presented to him on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
Rocco standing under the portrait that was presented to him on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.

On June 6, 2014, Rocco was honored on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day at the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post that bears his name.  Family, friends and members of the Post gathered to celebrate his military service during World War II and in D-Day.  Rocco was presented with a portrait of his 1944 war photo, which now hangs proudly at the Post.  He was also awarded with three proclamations.  In addition to the 70th Anniversary, Rocco celebrated his 90th Birthday, complete with cake and champagne. Continue reading “Rocco Moretto Honored on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day” →