Senator Fuschillo Presents Military Medals To Freeport Family

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.



World War II Army Veteran receives medals, and wife accepts medals
 posthumously awarded to her brothers who were killed in combat.


Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right) congratulates Freeport resident Vincent Sanfilippo (center) on earning the New York State Medal For Merit and Conspicuous Service Star. Senator Fuschillo also presented Eleanor Sanfilippo (left) with medals which were posthumously awarded to her two brothers, Howard and Earle Ridgeway, who were killed in combat during World War II.


State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) today presented the New York State Medal For Merit and Conspicuous Service Star to World War II veteran Vincent Sanfilippo, a Freeport resident. Senator Fuschillo also presented Mr. Sanfilippo’s wife, Eleanor, with two New York State Conspicuous Service Crosses that were posthumously awarded to her brothers, Howard and Earle Ridgeway, both of whom were killed in combat during the Second World War.

“During World War II, veterans like Mr. Sanfilippo bravely answered the call of duty in the fight against tyranny and oppression. Some, including Mrs. Sanfilippo’s brothers, made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. We owe them all a debt of gratitude, and it is my pleasure to present these medals and say ‘thank you’ to these American heroes,” said Senator Fuschillo.

Mr. Sanfilippo was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. In addition to the Medal For Merit and Conspicuous Service Star, Mr. Sanfilippo is also a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

Howard Ridgeway, an Army Private, was killed in action in while fighting in France in December 1944. Earle Ridgeway, also a Private in the Army, died in combat in the European Theatre in March of 1945. Both men were previously awarded the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II.

Senator Fuschillo is continually accepting applications for New York State military awards. Veterans or family members of veterans who would like more information about the military medals offered by New York State can call Senator Fuschillo’s office at 516-882-0630.


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