JAMES ALTIERI

James Altieri joined the Army in late 1941 and was subsequently sent to Northern Ireland where he served as an artillerymen with the 1st Armored Division. While stationed there, he was told that volunteers were wanted to form up a new unit structured much like the British Commandos. Altieri completed the demanding training program and became a Ranger in July 1942. For the next two years (plus), he served with the 1st and 4th Ranger Battalions in combat missions executed in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Along the way, he earned battlefield promotions to sergeant, first sergeant, and first lieutenant; he also was appointed company commander and received two Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts.