Posted on February 6, 2023
DANBURY- On Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the Danbury Catholic Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) presented Mr. Petrone, a Newtown resident, with a Connecticut Wartime Veteran’s Medal and Ribbons. US Senator Richard Blumenthal presented a US Capitol Flag and certificate commemorating Sgt. Petrone’s service.
Brigadier General Ralph Hedenberg and staff from the Army’s Connecticut National Guard were on hand to both honor Sgt. Petrone’s service and make special, posthumous presentations of his older brother, PFC Charles Petrone’s, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Service Medals. In 1944, PFC Charles Petrone, William’s brother, was killed in action.
Rep. Bolinsky said, “It was a great pleasure and honor to participate, meet this heroic, energetic, 100-year young WWII US Army Sergeant, meet the Petrone family and be on hand to honor the memory of and ultimate sacrifice made by PFC Charles Petrone, back in 1944.
Rep. Foncello said, “Willie is part of the Greatest Generation and is an inspiration to us all. He was honored Saturday with medals owed for his service and I was pleased to help present him with the Connecticut Veterans Award. Four Petrone brothers fought in WWII, but only three returned home. Willie graciously accepted medals bestowed posthumously to his brother, Charles, killed in action at age 19.”