T/5 Michael A. Catrambone

Biography and Wartime Service

Michael Anthony Catrambone was born on May 8, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth Josephine Madonna (1904–1966) and Giuseppe (Joseph) Catrambone (1890–1934) who was born in Italy. Born in South Philly, he moved to Lancaster in 1927 where he lived until 1937. At that time Michael went to the Scotland Military School for Veterans' Children in Scotland, Pennsylvania. He graduated with the Class of 1940 but was only 17 and could not be released until he was 18. Michael stayed for one year of post-graduate work. During his 4 years there he was a member of a band. Upon graduation Michael worked in Lancaster as a Linotype operator at Wickersham Printing Co, Sid Feldser's Printing, and the Lancaster Newspapers Intelligencer Journal. Michael A. Catrambone eloped with and married Ella Bernadine Wilcox in Elkton, Maryland, on August 20, 1941, when he was 18 years old. They were married for 58 1/2 years.

Mike Catrambone volunteered and entered the Army on August 16, 1943 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and went overseas with the 83rd Infantry Division in March 1944. In Europe he fought all five campaigns. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for action in Bihain, Belgium 1944. Pfc. Michael Catrambone was seriously injured in a jeep crash in Germany, June 1945. It was believed that the jeep he was riding exploded a German land mine. In a letter to his mother Michael told her that he was injured about the face, head, eyes and hands. He was discharged in November 1945. For his service, Michael A. Catrambone received, among other decorations, the Combat Infantry Badge, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver campaign star, the Purple Heart Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

When he came home from the war he lived for ten years in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife Bernardine Catrambone and their six children, before moving to Southern California. His wife passed away February 28, 2000 and in 2001 he moved back to Pennsylvania. He married Carmella DiMartino on April 26, 2001. Michael Anthony Catrambone died on August 20, 2009, in Havertown, Pennsylvania, when he was 86 years old.

I met his second wife Carmella DiMartino Catrambone at the Reunion of the 83rd Division Association, West Point, New York, 2011.

Gallery

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