Corporal Adolph “Ralph” Panetta
Award: Veterans’ Hall of Fame
Year: 2006
Corporal Adolph “Ralph” Panetta is a distinguished World War II veteran of the United States Army who, by his merits and dedication, earned three major decorations for his service.
Corporal Panetta earned the Silver Star on December 6, 1943 for gallantry when, under heavy fire and disregarding the warnings of his commander, he went to the aid of a wounded comrade, while also helping to hold off the enemy at a critical point in the battle.
Corporal Panetta earned the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat while serving in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations.
He was awarded a Purple Heart when, at just 19, he was wounded in the knee while attempting to neutralize a German machine gun nest located in a fortified Italian mountainside.
Corporal Panetta also was awarded a Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB) and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, New York’s highest military honor bestowed on a veteran.
Adolph Panetta is happily married to Angelina Rose and is proud of his 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is a past commander of the Italian American War Vets and still remains an active member.
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