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. This entry is a special submission from Joanna Allegretti in honor of her grandfather.

Bernard Allegretti was born and raised in Trenton, N.J. His parents emigrated from San Valentino and Monteleone di Spoleto, both towns in the region of Umbria. Allegretti was 24 years old when he entered the U.S. Army in 1942. He went through boot camp training at Camp Forrest, Tenn., and aviation cadet training in Fort Worth, Texas.