[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO BENJAMIN PORTARO

 Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I rise today to honor decorated 
West Virginian Benjamin Portaro. Mr. Portaro recently received the 
French Legion of Honor for his service in France during World War II.
  Born in a small village in Italy, Mr. Portaro's family immigrated to 
the United States searching for the American dream. Mr. Portaro's 
father, Pete, found work in the coal mines in Anmoore, WV, where the 
family would settle down. The Portaros prospered in Anmoore, where 
young Ben began school and helped his parents learn English.
  As a young man, Benjamin Portaro began work as a construction 
contractor, working for a local carbon plant in Anmoore. In 1943 Mr. 
Portaro entered the Army and was sent to Europe where he would fight on 
the frontlines in France. Promoted to staff sergeant under General 
George Patton, Mr. Portaro was sent to the Battle of the Bulge.
  It was during the Germans' last major offensive that Mr. Portaro was 
wounded and captured by the Nazis. Taken as a prisoner of war, Mr. 
Portaro was forced to march for miles in the dead of the winter, as 
many of his fellow prisoners starved to death. Months later, Mr. 
Portaro and another prisoner decided their best chance at survival 
would be trying to escape. After dark, they hid in ditches until they 
could run away from their captors. After 3 days, Portaro and his friend 
were rescued by the American Army. At this point, Mr. Portaro weighed a 
mere 100 pounds. After being rescued, Benjamin was transported to a 
hospital for treatment and eventually made it back home to Anmoore, 
where he would spend his life working for and with veterans and 
prisoners of war.
  Mr. Portaro has received many medals for his service, including the 
Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Prisoners of War medal, WWII 
Honorable Discharge, American Campaign, Yankee Division badge, WWII 
Victory Medal, European Campaign, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat 
Infantry Badge, and Staff Sergeant Badge.
  Mr. Portaro and his wife Claire had 7 children, 14 grandchildren, and 
14 great-grandchildren. After 69 happy years, Claire passed away in 
2011. Ben continues to live in West Virginia and is an inspiring voice 
and story to all.
  Mr. Portaro's story is one of sacrifice, hope, and courage. He is a 
proud West Virginian and a great representative of our State. I am 
proud to represent Mr. Portaro and thrilled that, after so many years, 
he still calls West Virginia home.

                          ____________________