Stumbled across this in my early morning reading: Anthony Pierro has passed away. I'd never heard of the guy, but I figure when a survivor of some of the bloodiest battles of the First World War passes away, I might as well take a moment to recognize him. Right now every other website in the world is discussing what's her name, who died in Flori-duh this week.
He was not only the oldest living veteran in the United States; he was the oldest living man in the country. He would have turned 111 next week. Born in Italy, passed through Ellis Island in 1914, and drafted into the Army in 1917. Served in the 320th Field Artillery Regiment of the 82d Division.
There's a few articles in the Boston Globe, but you'll probably need to register in order to read them. I'll link 'em anyway.
An article from his birthday last year. Another discussing his status as the oldest US veteran.
Rest in Peace.
UPDATE -- 11 FEB 2007: Thanks to Mudville Gazette for the link.
I've traded a few e-mails with Michello Pierro, a relative of Mr. Pierro. She was surprised and happy to see some folks recognize an old World War One vet. After all, she told me her local paper wouldn't do a story on him because he didn't live in the local area. A quick search of their website shows they haven't even run an AP or UPI piece on Mr. Pierro's death, let alone any original reporting. Of course, there's at least five articles about what's her name. No doubt, the paper has the right to run whatever articles it wants.
If you read some of the articles linked in the original post, you see that Mr. Pierro spoke of Madeline, a woman he fell in love with ninety years ago in France during the war. According to Michelle, he spoke of her until his death. One of the Boston Globe articles linked in the original post mentioned Madeline, and a doctor in Massachusetts recognized both names. He had treated a Madeline in France years ago who had talked about fallig in love with soldier from the First World War named Antonio Pierro.
The doctor visited Mr. Pierro in the nursing home before his death, and Michelle tells me the family is waiting to hear back from him. The doc was going to try to get in touch with Madeline's family in France to see if she was the Madeline that Mr. Pierro spoke of. If I hear any more from Michelle, I'll pass it on.
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