Joseph A. LaRocco
Award: Veterans’ Hall of Fame
Year: 2005
Inductee was nominated by Former Senator Nicholas A. Spano
Joseph A. LaRocco, a native of the City of Yonkers, took part in some of the most pivotal naval battles of World War II, helping to secure Allied control of the Pacific Theater and the surrender of Japan.
Shipping out on April 17, 1944, aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex, the flagship of the 3rd Fleet with Admiral Bull Haulsey in command, Mr. LaRocco was at sea for 18 continuous months. During that time, he participated in seven major sea battles and nine invasions.
For Mr. LaRocco’s courageous and heroic conduct, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Asiatic Pacific American Theater Victory Medal, the Philippines Liberation Medal, a Navy Commendation Certificate and nine stars, one star for each invasion. Mr. LaRocco had the distinguished honor of being in Tokyo Harbor for the official surrender of Japan.
Mr. LaRocco has been a member of the Frank A. Rea American Legion Post #1163 for the past 55 years, and for more than two decades belonged to the Westchester County American Legion. In addition, Mr. LaRocco has been a proud member of the Central Committee of War Veterans.
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