[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E892-E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES NAVY RADIOMAN PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS NATALE 
                        ``NATE'' JOHN SCARPELLI

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2025

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep respect and 
admiration to recognize the remarkable service of Radioman Petty 
Officer 3rd Class Natale ``Nate'' Scarpelli, a proud veteran of the 
United States Navy and our distinguished Veteran of the Month for 
October 2025 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. His courage, 
dedication, and sacrifice during World War II reflect the very best of 
the American spirit.
  Radioman Scarpelli answered his country's call to service in 1942. He 
enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned as a Radioman Petty 
Officer 3rd Class aboard the USS Moreno (AT-87). He joined his ship in 
North Africa, becoming the youngest member of a seasoned crew.
  The USS Moreno played a critical role in the war effort, carrying out 
dangerous missions that included firefighting, towing disabled 
warships, deploying depth charges, underwater welding, and escort 
operations. Radioman Scarpelli's skill as a radioman, communicating 
through Morse code and signal lamp, kept the crew connected during 
critical engagements. He also served as the ship's marksman, helping 
set sights on its 5-inch cannon, 40mm guns, and long-range weapons.
  Radioman Scarpelli's service brought him to the frontlines of some of 
the war's most pivotal campaigns. The USS Moreno supported the Allied 
invasion of Sicily, clearing the coastline for advancing Army units. 
Later, it provided support during the Invasion of Southern France. 
During combat, Radioman Scarpelli was wounded by land artillery and 
treated at a field hospital before rejoining his ship, where he 
continued his duties, including cutting mine cables and neutralizing 
deadly sea mines.
  In one remarkable mission, the USS Moreno captured a German one-man 
submarine armed with a torpedo. The vessel was brought aboard for 
inspection, drawing the attention of senior military leadership eager 
to study its design.

[[Page E893]]

  Radioman Scarpelli also served alongside his three brothers: Frank, 
who fought in the Pacific with the Army; John, who took part in the 
invasion of Northern France; and Augie, who manned guns on a Navy 
merchant ship in the Pacific. Their shared service reflects the 
extraordinary sense of duty and sacrifice that defined their 
generation.
  After the war, which he served through 1945, Radioman Scarpelli 
returned home to Michigan. He completed a tool and die apprenticeship, 
earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and began a 
distinguished career at Ford Motor Company in Manufacturing 
Engineering. There, he developed an innovative single-piece rear 
differential system that was later acquired by MIT. He married in 1953, 
retired at age 55, and spent the decades that followed traveling the 
world, remaining dedicated to his family, faith, and community.
  Mr. Speaker, Nate Scarpelli's life is a testament to service and 
resilience. Whether on the deck of the USS Moreno or in the engineering 
halls of Ford Motor Company, his contributions strengthened both our 
Nation's security and its industry. It is my distinct honor to 
recognize him as our Veteran of the Month for October 2025.

                          ____________________