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Congressman Pallone, Jr. Presents Posthumous Bronze Star to Family of West Long Branch Resident

April 4, 2012

Congressional Inquiry determined Russell T. Olivadotti was entitled to, but never awarded, the Bronze Star for WWII Army Service.

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Today Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal to the family of Russell T. Olivadotti following a Congressional Inquiry initiated by Pallone’s Office. Mr. Olivadotti, a resident of West Long Branch until he passed away in August 2011, was wounded while serving in the U.S. Army during WWII.

In response to a request from Mr. Olivadotti’s sister, Sandra Rubino, Congressman Pallone’s office opened an official Congressional Inquiry into Mr. Olivadotti’s military record and found that he was entitled to the Bronze Star for his service on March 1, 1945 for meritorious achievement in active ground combat. Bronze Stars are awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.

“I am honored to present this distinguished military award to the late Russell T. Olivadotti, who in addition to serving our country with honor in WWII, also served our community throughout his entire adult life on school boards and in other volunteer roles,” said Pallone. “Though overlooked for seventy years, he more than deserves this posthumous recognition for exemplary service to our country.”

Mr. Olivadotti was awarded a Purple Heart, as well as the WWII Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his military service. Following his service in the Army, Mr. Olivadotti served as President and Treasurer of Russell Industrial Painting Corporation for 35 years.

Since Mr. Olivadotti is deceased, Pallone presented the Bronze Star medal to his son, Russell M. Olivadotti.

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Contact:
Ray Zaccaro
202-225-4671