Politics & Government

City Council Honors WWII Hero Joe Caserta

The public is invited to an open house for Caserta on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Fellow veterans packed the library auditorium Thursday night as City Council honored Ocean City resident Joe Caserta, 91, for his service during World War II.

Caserta will receive the insignia of the French Legion of Honor in gratitude for his contribution to the liberation of France.

City Council unanimously passed a resolution that described his heroism as an Army tank driver who landed in Normandy two weeks after D-Day and fought through the end of the war in Europe.

"Besides his military service, he is a wonderful friend and wonderful neighbor," Dale Nicholas said in public comment, to applause from the many well-wishers who shared her sentiments.

Caserta will be the guest of honor at an open house at American Legion Post 524 at 3304 Bay Avenue from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Mayor Jay Gillian will honor him with a proclamation at that time. The public is invited to attend but is asked to contact the American Legion (609-398-1751) so it can plan for the event.

City Council's resolution is as follows:

Honoring Sergeant Joseph Caserta

WHEREAS, 
on November 8, 2013, Sgt. Joseph Caserta, United States Army, will receive the Republic of France Highest Award, their Legion of Honor, for his efforts during the liberation of France in World War II; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Caserta was a member of Company "E" 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division of the Army of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Caserta was awarded the distinguished Unit Citation/Award Belgian Fourragere, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Caserta fought on Omaha Beach, Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Caserta's tank was driving a record of 101 miles through northern France when they encountered heavy German resistance and were then redirected into Belgium and the Battle of the Bulge, while at the Cologne Plain they were hit hard by German artillery, his tank caught fire and his commander was killed. While the tank was on fire, Sgt. Caserta rescued a crew member and as a result of his actions, Sgt. Caserta was awarded the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Caserta fearing another round of attacks to the tank hid himself and his men behind a pile of potatoes when just at that moment another shell hit, killing one of his friends, wounding his gunner and himself with shrapnel for which he received the Purple Heart. He and his gunner were able to get to the rear of the battle where they received aid for their wounds; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Caserta was promoted to Tank Commander and reassigned to another tank and fought for the remainder of the war.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ocean City, New Jersey, we hereby recognize Sgt. Joseph Caserta for his bravery and his faithful service to our country.


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