Thomas Scardino and Ray Vaz

Thomas Scardino and Ray Vaz are close friends who share a love for their country, a commitment to service and a bond unlike most others.  

Both Mr. Scardino and Mr. Vaz were part of the Allied forces which stormed the beaches of France on D-Day. They landed at Utah Beach as members of the U.S. Army’s 90th Infantry Division and fought fiercely against heavy enemy resistance, both on the shoreline and in subsequent fighting throughout France. Each was wounded twice; Mr. Scardino was struck by a German bullet and hit by shrapnel during fierce fighting in Battle of St. Lo. Mr. Vaz was shot by a German sniper during the Battle of Normandy and later hit by artillery shrapnel while fighting to cross the Mosselle River in Germany after liberating the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. 

For their brave and devoted service, Mr. Scardino and Mr. Vaz each earned the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. 

Following his military service, Mr. Scardino went to work in the garment industry, first as a tailor with his father and later running his own factory. He was also a professional bowler. Mr. Vaz had a long and successful career in sales. 

Both men are longtime residents of Mineola and are members of Mineola VFW Post 1305, where they have worked to help their fellow veterans. Mr. Scardino and his wife, Flora, have six children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Vaz and his wife, Ann, have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.