Bronze Star presentation to family of WWII veteran

The Florida National Guard informed Historic City News that a celebration of the 238th birthday of the US Army will be held during events at the historic St Francis Barracks located at 82 Marine Street in St. Augustine tomorrow, June 14th.

At 2:00 p.m., Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw will present a posthumous Bronze Star to the family of World War II veteran Staff Sgt. Egilio Delaini.

Delaini served in the U.S. Army’s 2671st Special Reconnaissance Battalion, operating frequently behind enemy lines in France and Italy in 1944 and 1945.

Although a general order was issued in 1945 awarding Delaini the Bronze Star, he was never issued the award and was not aware of receiving it before his death on Oct. 13, 2005. His widow, Claire Delaini, who lives in Flagler Beach, will accept the award.

Later, at 4:00 p.m., the will be a birthday celebration, complete with cake-cutting and soldier recognition with Adjutant General Emmett Titshaw and Florida Army National Guard leaders.

The ceremony is sponsored by the First Militia Chapter of the Association of the United States Army.

The 238th birthday of the U.S. Army commemorates all Soldiers, families and civilians who have helped keep the Army strong. There are more than 10,000 Soldiers serving in the Florida Army National Guard.