Fredericksburg, Texas - The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW) and the Roccaforte Family are pleased to announce the dedication of a Memorial Plaque Honoring the WWII service of N.J., Sam, and B.N. (Pete) Roccaforte, all of whom served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater. The dedication will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the Museum’s Memorial Courtyard, and the public is invited to attend.
The Dedication ceremony will have both Sam and Pete in attendance to be honored and to remember their brother N.J. The dedication will consist of a bugler, a flag folding by Volunteers of Foreign Wars, the Fredericksburg High School NJROTC presentation of colors, reflections and acknowledgements on the brothers’ service, and also unveiling of the plaques.
N.J. flew many successful combat missions, and eventually found himself at the battle of Leyte Gulf. During the battle, his plane was heavily damaged and unable to return to the carrier. He set it down on the island of Leyte saving himself and his entire crew. After being hidden for almost three months by Philippine islanders, the crew was rescued by friendly forces. The rescue aircraft was struck by another plane, killing N.J. and all others aboard. Due to his airmanship and courage, N.J. was awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Flying Cross. Brothers Sam and Pete were inspired by their brother which led to their Navy enlistments.
To learn more about our dedications visit https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs.
The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org.
