Received the following email (with associated content), from dear friend Al Panebianco of the 45th Infantry Div. Always love to share this kind of news.
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Dear Al, Mike & friends:
These emails made it a great and meaningful Memorial Day for me. Sixty four years after WWII and I am still making contacts for my buddies. These two men were seriously wounded on Anzio Beachhead and brought to the CAVES for treatment. This was an exciting day for the three of us.
Al Panebianco
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Hi,
My dad is Jerome J. Nicolato. He is 89 years old and in a nursing home. He was a squad leader in an anti-tank company in the 2nd Battalion, 157th Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He made three combat beach landings in Sicily, Silerno and Anzio. He was wounded on 2/17/44 near Anzio and was brought to the “caves” for medical attention with his buddy Richard Wagner and several others. One of the stories Dad told was when he woke up in the “caves”, the person next to him was asking for cigarettes “cigarette comrade”. That person was a captured German soldier.
Dad finally returned to the U.S. 7/10/44.
Would you have advice on how I can attempt to determine if there are any other men still around that possibly fought with my Dad? I understand only 162 out of 713 men survived from the 2nd Battalion’s fight in Anzio.
Thanks,
Jerome L. Nicolato
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Hi Jerome:
Indeed a pleasure hearing from a family member of, Jerome J. Nicolato, who served with the 2nd Battalion, 157th Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. I know Richard Wagner fairly well from reunions we attended through the years. What a pleasant surprise to receive your email on Memorial Day.
I phoned Dick today to let him know about your email. He definitely remembered your Dad and was excited. With his permission, I am forwarding you his address and phone.
Mr. Richard Wagner, (removed for privacy). He does not have a computer. His phone number is: (removed for privacy). Hope I have been of some help to you and something exciting and enjoyable will develop for the both of you from this email.
Take care and enjoy life.
Albert R. Panebianco
http://www.45thinfantrydivision.com
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You have certainly exceeded all my expectations. When I visit my Dad this week, I will call Mr. Wagner and have Dad talk to him on the phone. I greatly appreciate all you have done in this matter and getting back to me so soon. I especially thank you so much from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my family for your service to this great country. We enjoy this day and all our freedoms because of men like you! You are not forgotten.
Thank you so very much,
Jerome
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"