Rep. Gillen Presents Five Recovered Service Medals and Decorations Awarded to Late Garden City Veteran to His Family

GARDEN CITY, NY - Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) presented Nicholas Maggio and his family with five medals and decorations earned by Nicholas' grandfather, Private Angelo A. Maggio from Garden City, for his service in the U.S. Army in Germany following World War II. The medals and decorations recognize Private Maggio's honorable service, military proficiency and exemplary conduct during his time in the Army.

"Our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. Their legacy deserves to be remembered," said Rep. Gillen. "It is my privilege to reunite Nicholas Maggio and his family with his late grandfather's prestigious medals and decorations, which he earned for his exceptional military service after World War II during the occupation of Germany. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has worn the uniform and served our nation. I'm honored to present these medals and work every day on behalf of our veterans and their families."

"Receiving my grandfather's medals is a meaningful way to honor his life, service, and memory," said grandson of Angelo Maggio, Nicholas Maggio. "Our family will display them alongside his flag and pass them down to future generations. Two of his grandchildren, my sister Angelina and I, were named after him, and we are proud to carry on his name. I will always remember how he slept in a chair so I could be comfortable when I was afraid, and how he chased our school bus to wave goodbye. These memories reflect the loving, dependable, and devoted person he was. His wisdom, honesty, and strength continue to influence our family. We are deeply grateful to Laura Gillen's office for helping us recover his medals, which we will treasure for generations to come."

Born in Pietrapertosa, Italy, Angelo Maggio immigrated to the United States and served in the military from 1954 to 1956, followed by six years in the Army Reserve. In 1970, he settled in Elmhurst, Queens, where he worked and raised his family. Angelo later moved to Garden City in 1998.

When Nicholas reached out for assistance, Rep. Gillen's office worked closely with him to navigate the National Archives and Records Administration and recover the medals and decorations.

The five commendations awarded to Angelo Maggio included:

• Good Conduct Medal: Awarded for exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity during a qualifying period of active military service.
• Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp: Recognizes qualifying occupation duty in Germany following World War II.
• National Defense Service Medal: Awarded for honorable active service during a designated period of national emergency or armed conflict.
• Expert Badge with Carbine Bar: Recognizes qualification at the Army's highest marksmanship level with a carbine rifle.
• Sharpshooter Badge with Pistol Bar: Recognizes qualification at the Army's intermediate marksmanship level with a pistol.

Rep. Gillen's office is committed to helping residents of New York's Fourth congressional district navigate federal agencies and access the benefits and services they are owed. Contact Rep. Gillen's office for assistance with veterans' benefits, replacing or obtaining lost military service medals, Social Security, immigration matters, IRS issues or other issues with federal agencies.

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