Launched in 2020 to remember the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, NIAF is recognizing Italian Americans who sacrificed, served and defended peace, freedom and democracy during the war through the #IAWW2Heroes initiative. This entry is a special submission from Submitted by Anthony Jr. and Janine Venezia in honor of their father.

Anthony W. Venezia Sr. was the first in his family to be born in the United States—in Union, N.J.—on April 27, 1920. His parents and siblings were born in Bernalda, in the Italian region of Basilicata. Venezia went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army during World War II where he received a Purple Heart during combat.