Fallen Hawthorne Soldiers To Be Honored With Street Dedication

HAWTHORNE, N.J. -- Hawthorne’s Operation Fallen Hero program will honor two fallen soldiers, the Gazette reported. Portions of two streets will dedicated to them, in a Monday, May 2, ceremony.

One of the soldiers to be honored is missing in action from the Korean War.
Photo Credit: *Zscout370, via Wikimedia Commons*

Rachel Martin

04/29/2016 4:00 a.m.

Mayor Richard Goldberg created the program in 2011, and it's assisted by Hawthorne resident Paul Chepurko's research, according to the Gazette. Goldberg plans to recognize each of the 76 fallen soldiers from the World Wars, Korean War and the Vietnam War.

James Mastrogiovanni received his draft notice and was inducted into the U.S. Army in October 1942. He was killed while stationed in Tunisia, Africa, according to reporting by the Gazette. Gordon Ripatranzone was drafted into the Army in 1949, discharged in 1950 and then recalled with the outbreak of the Korean War. He was stationed in Korea, and was missing in action in 1951 -- and was not among any of the groups of prisoners released by North Korea.

The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Jefferson Avenue. A portion of Grand Avenue will be dedicated Cpl. James L. Mastrogiovanni, USA Way, and a portion of Warren Avenue will be dedicated Cpl. Gordon N. Ripatranzone, USA Way. Read the full Gazette story here.

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