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Rest in Peace: Vincent DiGaetano, D-Day Hero (16th Infantry, 1st Division, Omaha Beach)
WarChronicle.com ^ | 30 October 2006 | David Allender

Posted on 10/30/2006 8:40:31 PM PST by RedRover

World War II veteran Vincent DiGaetano passed away this morning on Long Island, New York. He was 82 years old.

Vinny served in the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, from Normandy to Czechoslovakia. On D-Day, Vinny was a private and it was his first day in combat. He landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach. His story was included in Stephen Ambrose's D-Day and in Cornelius Ryan's The Longest Day. His squad (led by Sgt. Phil Streczyk) was the first to make a breakthrough off the beach in the Easy Red section of Omaha beach.

Rest in peace.


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: New York
KEYWORDS: 16thinfanty; 1stdivision; dday; digaetano
I will let Vinny's family know that this notice is up on FreeRepublic. Please remember his family in your prayers.

Vincent DiGaetano: December 7, 1923-October 30, 2006


1 posted on 10/30/2006 8:40:34 PM PST by RedRover
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To: RedRover

God Bless a REAL HONEST AMERICAN HERO!!! May he rest in peace.


2 posted on 10/30/2006 8:42:49 PM PST by vetvetdoug
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To: smoothsailing; jazusamo; GitmoSailor; Apple Blossom; Just A Nobody; no dems; Marine_Uncle; ...

Vinny was a great man and a great friend.


3 posted on 10/30/2006 8:44:19 PM PST by RedRover (Proud pinger of sinister political forces.)
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To: RedRover

Thank you, Vincent! Well done.


4 posted on 10/30/2006 8:44:35 PM PST by Rte66
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To: RedRover

Wish we had some of these true heroes in public life today. May he rest in peace.


5 posted on 10/30/2006 8:50:12 PM PST by TheLion
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To: RedRover

My family and I would like to thank you for our freedom... I promise you we will not waste it.

"I consider it no sacrifice to die for my country. In my mind, we came here to thank God that men like these have lived rather than to regret that they have died."
General George S. Patton


6 posted on 10/30/2006 8:51:57 PM PST by Patriot Hooligan ("God have mercy on my enemies because I won't." General George S. Patton)
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To: RedRover
Prayers going up here Red, for our brother Vinny.

Rest In Peace, Most Noble Vincent.

7 posted on 10/30/2006 9:00:26 PM PST by smoothsailing (Support The Troops-Support The Mission--Please Visit http://www.irey.com--&--YouDontKnowJack.org)
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Comment #8 Removed by Moderator

To: RedRover
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the family of this great American hero. R.I.P. Vincent DiGaetano.

It is because of men like you that my family sleep comfortably in our beds at night. Americans are grateful to you.

9 posted on 10/30/2006 10:03:34 PM PST by Just A Nobody (NEVER AGAIN...Support our Troops! www.irey.com and www.vets4irey.com - Now more than Ever!)
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To: RedRover; 2111USMC; 2nd Bn, 11th Mar; 68 grunt; A.A. Cunningham; ASOC; AirForceBrat23; Ajnin; ...

Red, I'm so sorry. Vinny sounds like one of those one in a million guys I love so much.


I was particularly struck by this:

"They never even thought about taking us out. Later on, the next war, in Korea and especially in Vietnam you served a year then, boom, you’re out. [In World War II] We could be there for three or four years before they take you out."

One of my uncles was gone four years. We were just remembering him over the weekend with my aunt, laughing. One of the sad memories is that they didn't know she was pregnant when he left. The baby was born, and then died. There wasn't any leave for that either, like for Vinny's dad.

My aunt still does not like to talk about the war. Still, she gives. She gives me strength.

My condolences, Red.


10 posted on 10/31/2006 2:13:04 AM PST by freema (Marine FRiend, 1stCuz2xRemoved, Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, Niece)
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To: RedRover
thank you all so, so much. I'm only 27 yrs old. But i feel so blessed that people like Vinny, My grand father Dean R. Hiatt and my good friend Brad Shuder have done for this country. (brad gave his life in Iraq 4-04) Every time i see a person of that age bracket, WWII, I get a little teary eyed knowing what they and they're generation did for our country. Not just in the War. but for the many years to come. we are SO lucky to live here and to have the honor of walking with hero's.

Thank you Vinny. May God keep your soul safe. and may you finally meet your friends once again. I'm sure they will have a grand reunion
11 posted on 10/31/2006 2:52:05 AM PST by dcrider182 (Col. Dean R. Hiatt.. WWII Hero. LC.Cpl. Brad Shuder. 9-11 Hero.. you are both loved and missed)
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To: RedRover; freema

May he now rest in peace, and may his remaining loved ones be comforted in his loss. So many have served with honor and sacrifice.


12 posted on 10/31/2006 8:12:34 AM PST by Marine_Uncle (Honor must be earned)
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To: RedRover

SGT Vincent DiGaetano, one of America's finest.

May God Bless him and his family.


13 posted on 10/31/2006 4:06:29 PM PST by jazusamo (DIANA IREY for Congress, PA 12th District: Retire murtha.)
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To: dcrider182; debbieargel; billintexas

I thought you would like to see how dcrider wrote about friend Brad.

It's so simple, so beautiful, it took my breath away.


14 posted on 10/31/2006 6:31:16 PM PST by freema (Marine FRiend, 1stCuz2xRemoved, Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, Niece)
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