Griffo honors Armando ‘Army’ Seccurra of Rome in Senate 2017 Veteran’s Hall of Fame

ALBANY – State Senator Joseph Griffo announced that he selected U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Armando “Army” Seccurra of Rome to be honored in the New York State Senate 2017 Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

Seccurra was recognized by Senator Griffo during a ceremony Tuesday in Albany, where Seccurra was joined by members of his family.

The son of Italian immigrants, Seccurra, 95, left his hometown of Rome in 1942 when he was drafted into World War II, during which time he served as a signalman in the 3921st Signal Service Company, frantically repairing radios and radar to ensure success for the armed forces in battle.

The final months of Seccurra’s service brought him to the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945, where his small unit was attached to the 5th Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Corps. There, Seccurra proudly celebrated – and snapped a photograph – as the Marines first raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, before being airlifted months later in September 1945 with appendicitis.

Seccurra was awarded the Bronze Star for his service from 1942 until 1945, but it was not until 60 years later that he received a Certificate of Achievement from the Army Signal Regiment in Fort Gordon, Georgia for his exceptionally meritorious service. Because Iwo Jima was a Marines battle, the role of Seccurra’s Army Signal Corps attachment had been overlooked for decades until a chance encounter with a Navy veteran nurse in Rome – Iris Barnes – allowed this small part of military history to be verified and recognized.

After the War, Seccurra and his wife raised three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He spent 46 years buffing pots and pans at the Rome Manufacturing division of Revere Copper & Brass. Seccurra also found great peace in raising his own vegetable gardens throughout life, but it was his years of service overseas that made him realize how lucky he was to live in America. Joining the military, Seccurra believes, is an opportunity for every young person to experience the maturity and discipline that will serve them well in life.

“So many of our generations have bravely defended our nation and freedom overseas, and each of these men and women are defined not only by their service to our country, but also through the remarkable lives they have lived,” said Senator Griffo. “Army Seccurra is one of these exceptional individuals, whose small U.S. Army unit played a little-known but very important role in the victory of Iwo Jima. We are grateful for Staff Sergeant Seccurra’s efforts to ensure success for our troops throughout World War II, and I am proud to honor Army among all of the brave men and women of the State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame.”

Seccurra currently resides in New Hartford.

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