Officials honor World War II veteran Edward Martino
Those in America who grew up during the Great Depression and then served in World War II are often referred to as “the greatest generation,” and recently a local resident and member of that greatest generation was recognized for his service.
On Friday, July 11, Technician Fifth Grade Edward Martino, 89, was surprised with an event in his honor in the showroom of Cherry Hill Dodge.
At the event, Martino received multiple awards and honors, including a proclamation from Cherry Hill Township, thanks from the American Red Cross, a special recognition award from the Camden County Office of Veteran Affairs, the Camden County Service medal from freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr., a proclamation from the office of Sen. Robert Menendez and more.
Martino said he was surprised by the event.
“I am completely surprised…I didn’t know anything about it,” Martino said. “I feel very honored that everybody showed up for me.”
Martino was born in Philadelphia as the youngest of nine children to immigrants from Naples, Italy.
In 1943, while Martino was enrolled in a school for building trade, he and his older brother Charlie received draft notices. Martino’s family petitioned the government to allow Charlie to stay and support the family while Martino went on to serve.
While in Germany in 1944, Martino became a member of the 84th Infantry Division with the 309th combat engineers.
In March 1945, Martino fought in the Battle of the Bulge, during which shrapnel hit him and he was eventually awarded the Purple Heart.
After the war concluded, Martino married his wife Theresa in 1947, and the couple had five children. The family made Delaware Township their home, which eventually became Cherry Hill, where Martino resides today.
The July 11 event in Martino’s honor was presented by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense office that promotes relations between reserve members and civilian employers.
After WWII, the 84th infantry division became part of the Army Reserve, and Martino’s niece Donna Clementoni happens to be an employer outreach director with ESGR.
Several officials spoke at the event praising and thanking Martino for his service and bravery, including Cherry Hill Council member and Martino’s friend John Amato.
Amato told stories of Martino from more than 50 years ago, back to summers spent haggling with shopkeepers in Wildwood over bushels of crabs. Amato said he was proud of his friend.
“We’re here today to honor a person from the greatest generation that we’ll never see again in this country. Eddie, I wish you a long and healthy life and so many more years to come for you and your family. I’m proud to be here today to honor you. Thank you.”
Also at the event was Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, the adjutant general of New Jersey. As the acting general of the state, Cunniff commands more 9,000 men and women in the Army and Air Guard, is a voice to the governor, and is responsible for the more than 425,000 veterans in New Jersey.
Cunniff said on behalf of those 425,000 veterans, he was there to say thanks for what Martino did.
“It’s truly an honor to be a part of this ceremony to pay tribute to you as one of the members of the greatest generation that has ever lived,” Cunniff said.
In remarks to the crowd at the end of the event, Martino said he was honored and thanked all those who attended just for him.
“I’m greatly honored, and I want to thank and appreciate anything anybody, everyone, all the agencies that provided all the information that we had,” Martino said. “I want to thank you again. I’m so honored.”
