Reed Marks 70th Anniversary of D-Day with Medal Ceremony Honoring World War II Veteran

CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today marked the 70^th anniversary of D-Day with a special ceremony honoring World War II Veteran Louis Gautieri Jr., 87, of Johnston.  Mr. Gautieri finally received the military awards he earned for his service more than 67 years after coming home.

Reed presented Mr. Gautieri with a number of awards, including the World War II Victory Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star appurtenance; the Combat Action Ribbon; the Discharge Button; and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, in recognition of his dedicated and loyal Navy service.

During World War II, Mr. Gautieri served in the Pacific from 1944-1946 as a Seaman First Class.  He served with the 144^th Company, spending most of his time based in Guam.

“On this 70^th anniversary of D-Day, we are reminded of the uncommon courage and extraordinary selflessness of our World War II veterans like Mr. Gautieri, who humbly exemplifies why they calls his ‘the greatest generation.’  Louis was just a teenager when he signed up to defend his country, and today we honor that commitment with a small token of our enduring gratitude and respect,” said Reed, a former Army Ranger and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Asked what today’s ceremony and medals meant to him, Mr. Gautieri replied: “It means we can close the war.  After 67 years, I can put this in the past.”

The attention to orders from the medal ceremony lauded Mr. Gautieri’s “dedication to duty…in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy and the United States of America.”  The orders continued: “Our nation and the State of Rhode Island gives our grateful thanks to Mr. Gautieri for his dedicated and loyal service to the United States Navy.”

Mr. Gautieri was just 18 years old when he joined the Navy in 1944.

 -end-