World War II

Veterans History Project

Art Bertolo’s war time story was documented in 2017 by Joseph R. Messineo (with videographer Richard Calagiovanni) as part of the Veterans History Project as directed by the Library of Congress. View the video below and discover others here.

Handsome Young Soldier

A Family Effort

A Letter Home

A postcard from Art sent to sister Rose during his time in France.

“France was beautiful but war brought destruction. Let’s keep on the ball till it’s over and pray things of this sort will never happen to our home country. We are here to stop it for good and may be here a little longer. But that suits me fine because when I get back I want my life to be my own as for all of us who are working so hard for peace. Your Loving Brother, Art.”

French Legion of Honor

It’s never too late! In 2018, Monsieur Arthur Bertolo was inducted into the French Legion of Honor as a Chevalier for his exemplary war time service to France.

Many thanks to Teresa Polsin, Art’s niece who intervened with the French government to make this happen.

Also see photos from the Honor Flight