#VeteranOfTheDay Joseph DeLuca

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Joseph DeLuca. Joseph served during World War II.

Joseph joined the war effort in 1943. He was stationed in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Austria. Over the course of the war, Joseph and his unit walked over 500 miles carrying weapons and a full pack weighing over 80 pounds.

Some of Joseph’s most significant moments in service occurred when he stood honor guard over Gen. George Patton’s casket, and when he liberated the Landsberg Work Camp in April 1945.

Joseph was released from the armed forces in 1946 as a staff sergeant. Among many awards, he earned a Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star.

When asked why he served in World War II, Joseph, who is now 91, said “I believed that I could pay back America by serving in the armed forces, specifically, for allowing my grandfather and father to come to America and immigrate into the American culture and raise our families. I was a proud soldier then, and I still am today.”

Thank you for your service, Joseph!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.