Charles J. Piombino
Biography: Charles Joseph Piombino was born on March 27, 1904. He married the former Louise Dragonetti who was the daughter of Rocco Dragonetti and Giovanna Santasiere of New York City, New York. The couple had two sons, Ronald and Carl J.
Service Time: Charles entered the service and is shown in the photo on the left, in 1943, while at Camp Smith in New York. This may have been where he took basic training. He was later assigned to Company B of the 643rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. The unit received credit for participating in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe Campaigns. On April 16, 1945, while the unit was attached to the 83rd Infantry Division during their drive to the Elbe River, Charles’ actions won him the Distinguished Service Cross. A synopsis of the General Orders is as follows:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles J. Piombino, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 643d Tank Destroyer Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 16 April 1945. Private First Class Piombino’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Headquarters, U.S. Forces-European Theater, General Orders No. 305 (1945)
The second photo was taken from a larger group photo but it was unfortunately destroyed while trying to remove it from the frame and glass. He left the service at the rank of Corporal.
Charles passed away on April 29, 1992, and was buried in Alabama. I want to thank his great-granddaughter, Kendal Manning, for providing the information and photo of her grandfather.