2014 Veteran's Day

I'd like to pay tribute to three of my ancestors who served in the military. I'm proud to be related to these brave men. Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers, Philip Ficarra and Henry A. Raminger who served in the Army during World War I. Thankfully, they both came back to their families unscathed. My father George A. Ficarra Sr who served as an armored tank commander in the 90th armored division in Europe under George S. Patton.

Philip Ficarra
Regular Army Date of Enlistment: 21 November 1910 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri
Joined 10th U.S. Field Artillery Regiment: 10 June 1917
Landed in Europe: 7 May 1918
Service in Europe - Champagne~Marne Defensive
Aisne~Marne Offensive
St Mihiel Offensive
Meuse~Argonne Offensive
Chateau Thierry Sector
Honorably Discharged at Presidio of San Francisco on 6 October 1920.
I have copies of his certificates of achievements and military service.


Henry A. Raminger
United States Army - Date of Induction: 29 April 1918 at Mayville, Wisconsin
Rank and organization at discharge: Private  Batt. A., 331st F.A.
Honorably Discharged on 20 February 1919
I have his military ID bracelet and copy of his draft registration card.

George A. Ficarra 
United States Army - Date of Enlistment: 2 April 1943 at Chicago, Illinois
Battles and Campaigns: Ardennes Rhineland Central Europe
Decorations and Citations: American Campaign Medal
European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with Three Bronze Battle Stars
Good Conduct Medal
Purple Heart Medal per GO 14 HQ 90 Cav Recon Sq 8 May 45
Silver Star Medal per GO 148 HQ 10th Armd Div 9 Jul 45
Bronze Star Medal per GO 39 HQ 10th Armd Div 17 Dec 45
WW II Victory Medal 2
Overseas Service bars
Lapel Button issued ASR Score 2 Sep 45
Wounds received in action: Gun shot wound, back left shoulder blade - Germany
Honorably discharged on 12 December 1945 at Camp Grant, Illinois. Rank: Sergeant, Tank Commander, 90th Calvary Recon.