Rocco J. Rossi

Private First Class Rocco J. Rossi was the son of Nicholas and Mary Rossi, of 347 Liberty Street in Camden NJ. He was born in New Jersey in 1924. Rocco Rossi entered the work force after two years of high school. He was inducted into the United States Army on May 5, 1943 at Camden NJ and received three months of training at the Armored Force Replacement Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In September of 1943 it was reported that he had completed that training and had been selected to train as a radio electrician at the Fort Knox Armored School. While serving with the 7th Armored Division, he was killed in action on November 30, 1944 near Gereonsweiler, Germany.

The 33rd Armored Engineer Battalion After Action Report for November 1944 describes the engagement:

Near the close of the period the 40th Tank Battalion was attached to a regimental combat team of the 84th Infantry Division for an operation against Linnich and Beeck, Germany from the vicinity of Gereonsweiler. Company “C” was included in the task force to provide engineer assistance in crossing a known anti-tank ditch and for any other engineer work needed. The operation was conducted on 30 November. Tanks passed through the obstacle successfully after gaps were located and swept for mines.

It is likely that Private Rossi was killed either in the bridging of the ditch or during the mine-sweeping operations. Three other members of Company C were wounded that day.

Private Rossi was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was survived by his parents, of the Liberty Street address.

A former Camden army first lieutenant and relatives of nine deceased war heroes received Army awards last night in the city hall commission chamber.

Presentation of medals was made by Capt. Conger Brown, of the Fifth district, Second Service Command.

This was the first large group public presentation of Army decorations here. Leaders of three county veterans organizations joined families of war heroes and honorably discharged and furloughed service personnel at a ceremony sponsored by the Camden County Executive Committee of the American Legion.

Lauded by Brunner

Mayor Brunner lauded the bravery and heroism of those awarded the medals before an audience of 300 persons. He stressed hopes that “there will be no more wars.”

Alfred W. Nelson, Jr., of Runnemede, recently discharged after serving with the Third Infantry as first lieutenant, received an Oak Leaf Cluster as a second award of the Silver Star.

Posthumous awards were received by:

Mrs. Harriet B. Woolcock, 80 East Main Street, Marlton, widow of 1st Lt. Daniel B. Woolcock, Jr., infantry, Bronze Star Medal.

Mrs. Sarah E. Wright, Bells Lake; RFD 2, Sewell, widow of Pvt. Wesley Wright, 83d Infantry, Bronze Star Medal.

Mrs. Mamie Barnes, Church Street, Medford, mother of Pfc. Elmer E. Barnes, 32d Infantry, Silver Star Medal.

Mrs. Margaret Smerhovsky, 348 Atlantic Avenue, Camden, mother of T/Sgt. William B. Smerhovsky, 100th Infantry, Silver Star.

Others Honored

Nicholas Rossi, 347 Liberty Street, Camden, father of Pfc. Rosso J. Rossi, Corps of Engineers, Silver Star.

Mrs. Anna T. Lee, 735 Spruce Street, Camden, mother of PFC Robert E. Lee, 1st Infantry, who was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star.

Mrs. Jean M. Galiazzi, 16 South Thirty-third street, Camden, widow of S/Sgt. Joseph Galiazzi, 100th Infantry, Silver Star.

Mrs. Rose W. Mills, Pine Hill, widow of T/4 James L. Mills, medical unit, 88th Infantry, Bronze Star.

A Bronze Star was sent to Mrs. Anna G. Wilkie, 631 Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City, widow of T/5 James W. Wilkie, 102nd Infantry.