Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Frank A. DeRosa, who recently turned 100 and served as a military policeman during World War II.
During his Army service, Frank A. DeRosa served in the 10th Mountain Division. Originally, this division was the 10th Light Division (Alpine), constituted on July 10, 1943. Five days later, the unit activated on July 15 and served at Camp Hale, Colorado. On Nov. 10, the division re-designated as the 10th Mountain Division and deployed in the Italian theater for the remainder of the war.
As an MP, DeRosa enforced military laws and regulations on Army installations and occupied territory. He, along with his fellow police, provided security and investigations for criminal activity. In addition to these responsibilities, DeRosa and the MPs managed enemy prisoners of war.
During his service, DeRosa received severe frostbite wounds serving in Europe.
After discharge from the Army at the end of the war, DeRosa founded the Red Diamond Taxi company with his two brothers, John and Sam. The trio operated the company for 35 years, employing a total of 13 people at its peak. It was the largest taxi company serving in the Auburn area. DeRosa enjoyed his time as a taxi driver, meeting various people during his over 30-year career. He loved when the city’s beat police would come by and visit him in his taxi during their rounds.
DeRosa recently celebrated his 100th birthday with his friends and family. He is a Gold Member of Auburn Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) Post 1975.
Thank you for your service!
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? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Contributors
Writer: Alex Boucher
Editor: Katie Wang and Katherine Berman
Fact checker: Alexys Santiago
Graphic artist: Helena Strohmier
Topics in this story
More Stories
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran David Bellavia, who received a Medal of Honor from the Iraq War’s deadliest operation, the Second Battle of Fallujah.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran Scotty Hasting, who served in Afghanistan.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran Roy Sheldon, who served in 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany.
Thank you for your service Frank A. DeRosa.
There are app. 28 cities named Auburn in the US. Where does Mr. DeRosa live?