Operation Recognition - SuffolkJournal.com

Operation Recognition
by James B. Teese

April 29, 2002

Local WWII and Korean Vets Receive HS Diplomas

They've already learned life's hardest lessons. Now they've got the paper to prove it.

At a special "graduation" ceremony on April 19, four local veterans were honored for their military service with presentation of high school diplomas at the New York State Office Building in Hauppauge..

The four honored veterans were:

Harry J. Corcoran of Ronkonkoma, a graduate of Fort Hamilton High School. Corcoran served in World War II and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1946, after earning the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, European Theatre Medal (1 Star) and Asiatic-Pacific Medal.

James R. DeSpain of Hauppauge, a graduate of Richmond Hill High School. DeSpain served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1952. His honors include the Good Conduct Medal.

Vincent A. Triolo of Ronkonkoma, a graduate of Queens Vocational and Technical High School. Triolo served in World War II and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1945, after earning the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Medal.

Anthony S. Barone of Lake Ronkonkoma, a graduate of Boys and Girls High School. Barone served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the US. Marines in 1952, after earning the Korean Service Medal (1 Star) and United Nations Medal.

Through legislation signed into law by Governor George Pataki, "Operation Recognition" awards diplomas to any veteran who attended a New York State high school but did not complete their schooling because of their service in World War II or the Korean War.

"I left high school in a hurry because the war was on," said Corcoran. "My big brothers were already in it. And we all came home, thank God."

"Believe it or not," said Barone, " there's a space on the wall for this diploma to be hung."

"I never expected to receive this," said DeSpain.

"I never thought I see this [diploma] after all these years," noted Triolo.

The "Operation Recognition" Ceremony was hosted by NYS Assemblyman Thomas Barraga. (R- West Islip) Also on hand were representatives of US Army, US Navy, and the US Marines. All were "delighted" to recognize the veterans with their presence.

"These diplomas prove Marines finish what they start," quipped Sergeant Sergio Moller as he present a Letter of Appreciation to ex-Marine Barone.

"I am proud to have the opportunity to assist these men and women in obtaining high school diplomas," said Barraga, ranking Republican member on the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee.

"This is the least we can do," Barraga continued, "to recognize veterans who left their families and their homes to help protect the rights of every American."

"It's a great country," said Corcoran. "Let's keep fighting for it."