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World War II Veteran Honored For ‘Sacrifice’

From left Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Patricia Lindfors, daughter of PFC Tedesco; PFC Thomas Tedesco; state Sen. George Borrello; and Roseann Carlson, daughter of PFC Tedesco. Submitted photo

Before the ceremony, he was suspicious that someone was keeping a secret.

As it turned out, he was correct.

U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas A. Tedesco was honored at the Fenton Historical Center in Jamestown on Thursday for his military service during World War II.

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“I am honored to be able to recognize Private Tedesco for his service during World War II,” state Sen. George Borrello said. “It is gratifying to have the opportunity to pay tribute to such an extraordinary man who was part of the effort to liberate Europe from Nazi rule. He bravely and selflessly went off to war when his nation called upon him, putting his own life at risk in order to defeat tyranny. While the sacrifices he made in faithful service to our country can never be adequately repaid, with these medals, we express our gratitude and admiration.

The son of Anthony and Rose Tedesco, he was born June 18, 1924, in Falconer. A machine shop inspector, Tedesco was drafted into the U.S. Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on Feb. 4, 1943, and reported for active duty at Old Fort Niagara one week later, Borrello said. After training as a truck driver and air cargo specialist, Tedesco was sent to England on Dec. 12, 1943, joining the 325th Ferry Squadron, 9th Air Force. The 325th provided passenger, mail and logistical support to all American military units in the United Kingdom.

In honor of his outstanding service, Sen. Borrello presented to Tedesco, medals including the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest individual military award for valor; the Good Conduct Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. In addition, from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, he received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and Medal For Merit. P-J Photo by Michael Zabrodsky

Tedesco was discharged Dec. 16, 1945, at Fort Dix, N.J. having served one year, three months and six days of service in the continental United States and one year and seven months overseas.

In honor of his outstanding service, Borrello presented to Tedesco the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest individual military award for valor; the Good Conduct Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.

In addition, from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, he received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and Medal For Merit.

“Private Tedesco’s wartime service and his humility surrounding his contributions are typical of those who are part of the Greatest Generation. He made tremendous sacrifices and laid his life on the line for our nation, but never sought attention or thanks,” Borrello said. “Today was our opportunity to let him know our community and nation are immensely grateful for his courageous service.”

“He was surprised and he was suspicious (that) something was going on, but he did not know it was this big of an award,” said Chautauqua County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, R-Ellicott, who is also Tedesco’s granddaughter.

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