[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO ALFRED L. DeSERIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2012

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Alfred L. DeSerio. A 42-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and 
respected member of the community, Alfred died Saturday at the age of 
105.
  DeSerio was born and raised in Philadelphia where his family operated 
a bakery. He would help deliver Italian bread on a horse-drawn 
carriage. Before his 18th birthday, he lied about his age to enlist in 
the Marines where he attained the rank of master sergeant.
  Mr. DeSerio was a perfect example of the ``Greatest Generation.'' He 
served our nation with distinction in the Pacific Theater of World War 
II and in the Korean War. During World War II, one of DeSerio's duties 
was to escort the honored remains of fellow Marines home to their 
families. It was a job he took very seriously.
  Mr. DeSerio served his country twice during the Vietnam War.
  After retiring from the service in 1970, DeSerio moved to 
Collingdale. He was a maintenance worker at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital 
in Darby until his retirement in 1988. Unfortunately, he lost his wife 
Mary in 1985.
  A resident at St. Francis Country House since 2002, he was often 
recognized for his years of service while receiving proclamations from 
state government and a challenge coin from the commandant of the Marine 
Corps. His military decorations include the World War II Victory Medal, 
the Vietnam Service Medal with one star, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross 
with palms and frame, the National Defense Service Medal and the United 
Nations Service Medal.
  DeSerio was a longtime member of the Upper Darby Marine Corps League 
Detachment No. 884, which named him Citizen of the Year in January.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you, and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in recognizing the life of Alfred L. DeSerio and his service to 
our nation.

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