MEDAL EARNED BY GIUSEPPE PROCACCIO IN WORLD WAR I TO BE PRESENTED TO HIS GRANDDAUGHTER

Washington, Apr 10, 2008 - "In addition to holding town meetings this Saturday, I look forward to presenting the Purple Heart to the family of Giuseppe Procaccio, who was wounded defending our nation in World War I," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Although this honor has long been delayed, it underscores the need to honor those who served our nation, especially those injured or killed defending our liberties." Stearns will present the Purple Heart posthumously to Mr. Procaccio's granddaughter, Linda Malerba of Ocala, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 12th prior to the town meeting at the Palm Grove Club at Oak Run.

As a young farm worker in San Pietro, Italy, Procaccio had a dream, so he came to the United States to begin a new life. The U.S. was involved in World War I when he enlisted in the Army on April 2, 1918. He was 27 and wanted to serve his newly adopted country. After completing basic training, he was sent to France on May 20, 1918. There, he fought courageously with Co. F, 312th Infantry in the "Battle of the Argonne Forest." He was severely wounded in action on October 22, 1918 and awarded the Victory Medal. Following his recovery he was honorably discharged on May 31, 1919. As a U.S. citizen, he married his childhood sweetheart, Madalena, settled in Brooklyn, NY, and raised two daughters. Until his death in 1971, at the age of eighty, Giuseppe Procaccio remained a true patriot.

Said Linda Malerba, "As the proud granddaughter of Giuseppe Procaccio, I am gratified that he has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in action in the service of his country. This medal symbolizes the sacrifices of all our service men and women who fought in battle since the American Revolution, and is a reminder that our freedom comes with a price."