Launched in 2020 to remember the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, NIAF is recognizing Italian Americans who sacrificed, served and defended peace, freedom and democracy during the war through the #IAWW2Heroes initiative. This entry is a special submission from Richard Stangarone, in honor of his mother Mary Jane Leggero Stangarone.

Mary Jane Leggero Stangarone was born on May 4, 1918 in Chicago, Ill. Her father Giuseppe Leggero was from Villareggia, Torino, Italy. Her mother Margherita Franzone was from Vische, a village also in the province of Torino.