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, using the tag #IAWW2Heroes on social media. This entry is a special submission from Sgt. Petrocelly’s granddaughter, Mia Petrocelli, who has shared with us the incredible story of how her grandfather fought in D-Day and survived as a POW for seven months.

Born on February 26, 1918, Oratzio Giovanni Petrocelli was the son of Italian Immigrants Virgilio and Giulia (Delfino) Petrocelli of Acquaviva di Isernia, Italy.  A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., he married Mary A. Furguiele on May 4, 1941, 11 days before being inducted into the U.S. Army.  His name on U.S. Army records and on documents post-war was permanently changed to Horatio John Petrocelly.