Michael Pipito, Christopher Messaro, and George Martella
Heroes of Camden, New Jersey
Michael Pipito, George Martella, and Christopher Messaro
From what was Camden, NJ's 8th Ward, near Ferry Avenue and Broadway, the three friends responded to the call of the colors just after Pearl Harbor. All three would survive the war. Michael Pipito's brother Stephen A. Pipito would be killed in action on July 9, 1944 while fighting in Normandy. The three friends are mentioned on the 8th Ward War Memorial at American Legion Memorial Post 274, 1944 Broadway, Camden, NJ.
3 So. Camden Pals Join Naval Force
Camden Courier-Post —
Trio Passes Preliminary Test, Awaits Notice to Report at Base
Three South Camden chums of Italian lineage, decided that it was about time for all good men to go to the aid of their country, so today they hotfooted it for the Navy Recruiting Station in the Philadelphia Customs House.
Arm-in-arm the trio joined the line with other volunteers and passed the preliminary examination. Then they returned to Camden to await notice to report for active service and training at one of the Navy recruit bases.
There was no bravado about Michael Pipito, 21, of 1855 South Fourth street, or his companion Christopher Messaro, 24, of 1802 South Fourth street, and George Martella, 21, of 411 Viola street.
Pipito has been helping his father, George, run his taproom. Messaro was working at Eavenson and Levering’s wool scouring plant and Martella was driving a truck.
As spokesman for the three modern musketeers, Pipito explained:
“We figured the place for us was in the Navy where we could get a crack at those lousy Japs without waiting too long for action. So we talked it over and got our parents to agree with us and that’s all there is to it.
“This is a good country, the best in the world. We’re anxious to prove that we’re loyal Americans and the best way we can help to preserve democracy is to get into the fighting.”