The Journey to My Father, cont.

On Wednesday, Marcello joined us with a rental car (still owe him for that), and we first stopped at the scene of the 473rd Infantry Regiment's victorious entry into Genoa through the Arch. We also visited the site (stadium) of the prisoner center where Frank pulled guard duty for a while. That was one of his many duties during the ending days of the war in Italy.

In their triumphant entry to Genoa, the 473rd marched through the Arch.
Some snipers remained in the upper floors of surrounding buildings.
The highest buildings are post war.

On the left is the stadium that served as a prison(upper 2/3rds is post war)
On the right, Marcello and Frank confirm information gathered.

After reviewing photos and data related to the Genoa liberation, we headed out for the village of San Lorenzo. For a long time, I had gotten the information about the location of the events of April 26, 1945, from the military reports. Those reports, with consideration for the generalities required by conditions at the time, were inaccurate. Not grossly so to someone who knows the area like Marcello does, but misleading to a stranger to the geography. I was not familiar with the village, and it was not mentioned in any military documentation related to my father. It is located just above Santa Margherita and Rapallo (the listed location of Dad's death) on a winding mountain road. The village looks much as it did in 1945.

Left: The road to San Lorenzo della Costa
Right: The building that houses the ristoranti.

Below: These are the fabulous people that have done so much in filling in my father's story.

LEFT: Frank H. Moser Jr., who was in the 3rd Battalion of the 473rd, has told much about how the unit moved through Italy in the winter and spring of '45. If you ever meet him, be sure to ask about the Etruscans.

2nd FROM LEFT: Roberto Craighero. He helped Marcello with research on all aspects of the Italian campaign in the north of Italy.

3rd FROM LEFT: Father Cuneo. I don't know if I can adequately capture my feelings about this 90 year old priest. He was witness to the entire action which ended in my father's death. More about him later.

RIGHT: Marcello. This young man discovered my web site in 1998, and since then has painted the picture of my father in the North of Italy. His history, when published, will be a treasure for those of us interested in the Italian campaign.

Left: Frank, Roberto, Fr Cuneo, and Marcello.
Right: Coffee for the guests of San Lorenzo della Costa.

Next

Previous

Table of Contents

Welcome Page

HOME