Albert A. Spinelli
| Era | WWII |
|---|---|
| Branch | U.S. Army |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Military Decorations | Bronze Star Purple Heart |
| Wall | E |
| Wall Side | 4 |
| Row | 6 |
| Plaque Number | 1 |
Albert Anthony Spinelli was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 1, 1921.
He was the youngest son of Batista and Dominica Spinelli, Italian immigrants who came to the United States in the early 1900’s.
Al joined the United States Army in 1944 and served in the European Theater during World War II.
Cherbourg, France on September 1, 1944 with Company I, 413th Infantry Reg., 104th Division. His division was known as the Timberwolves, whose motto was “Nothing in Hell must stop the Timberwolves”. Al and his fellow Timberwolves fought their way through France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Al was wounded in action while fighting in Holland in 1944. In 1945, he was wounded in action again while fighting his way across the Roer River in Germany during Operation Grenade, earning a Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster.
Al never talked about the War to anyone for more than 60 years. We finally heard one of his war stories when he was asked about it by a fifth-grade member of our daughter Tara’s classroom here in San Diego. We asked Mom if she ever heard that story. Of course, she hadn’t. That was the amazing thing about The Greatest Generation. They saved the World but couldn’t have been humbler about it.
After departing from Europe, Al and his 104th Division were training in California to participate in the invasion of Japan prior to VJ Day.
Al received the following Decorations and Citations: Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, World War II Honorable Service Pin.
After receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1945, Al moved back to his home town of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Albert and his wife, Julie Spinelli, were the proud parents of four children: Michael, Paul, Sheilah, and Michelle.
Al worked for the United States Postal Service as a Mail Handler before retiring at age 62. He spent the next 30 years watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow up.
Plaque Wall Map
