MOUNT VERNON – It was 70 years ago that John Politi of Mount Vernon,
who is now 91, served in the Navy during World War II.
His children were going through some of his papers and learned of his
achievements.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino presented him with those
medals at his home on Friday.
John Politi, seated, shows off the medals he received seven decades
late
“These medals are not to honor me as an individual. They are to
honor all of the men and women, able or disabled, which overtime have
defended our country, the greatest county in the world,” Politi
said.
“Mr. Politi never asked for the recognition but the responsibility
is ours to see to it that all that is owed to our veterans is paid to
them the best we can,” Astorino said. “The courageous service
and selfless sacrifice of men like Mr. Politi serves as an example for
all of us, and it also serves as a beacon for the next generation.”
Joining Astorino in presenting the medals was county Veterans Services
Agency Director Ronald Tocci.
Politi earned the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific
Campaign Medal for his service in the Pacific Theatre. He fought in the
2nd Battle of Guam, the battle that recaptured the strategic island from
Japanese control.
