Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) personally presented Sergeant Guy Giumento, of West Seneca, with official recognition of the Purple Heart awarded to him for wounds received in action while serving in the Army during World War II’s infamous “Battle of the Bulge.” 

“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Giumento for his sacrifices and selfless service to this great nation and, while it is long overdue, it is our honor to give him the medals, documentation and recognition he truly deserves,” said Congressman Higgins.

Mr. Giumento was wounded by enemy fire on December 1944, while stationed in Verviers, Belgium, when a nearby building was struck by an 88 bomb, throwing him out of his weapons vehicle.  Mr. Giumento sustained serious facial injuries, a blow to the head and a fractured wrist. His Lieutenant along with thirty others were killed or wounded during the explosion. 

The Purple Heart was left to him on his hospital bed after the attack.  There was no ceremony and his discharge papers did not reflect that he received a Purple Heart. 

Earlier this year Mr. Giumento’s family contacted Congressman Higgins. The Congressman’s office was able to correct his discharge papers and recently Congressman Higgins presented Mr. Giumento with a Purple Heart Certificate, a discharge certificate reflecting the Purple Heart, and a full complement of medals.  Mr. Giumento’s wife Louise Giumento, daughter Francine Giumento, and son-in-law Theodore Swiatek, also of West Seneca, were present at the special occasion.

In a letter to the Congressman, Mr. Giumento wrote, “The presentation of the Purple Heart and certificate from you my Congressman is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I was so thrilled to receive them as well as the four additional medals.  Thank you all from the bottom of my ‘Purple Heart.’”