Lights for Peace Flag Honors New Bedford Purple Heart & Silver Star Recipient Albert Tarini

During the month of June, the 57th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory Technician 5th Grade, Albert Tarini, who at the age of 24, was killed in action during World War II.

Albert Tarini was born in New Bedford on April 22, 1921 to Serafino and Anna Tarini. He attended New Bedford schools enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 19, 1943 at the age of 22. He served as a combat medic in the 165th Combat Engineer Battalion, earning the rank of Technician 5th Grade. He was killed in action on March 3, 1945, at the age of 24. World War II would end six months later, on Sept. 2, 1945.

The job of a combat medic during WWII was to stabilize the wounded and prepare them for evacuation to field hospitals. Medics were trained to stop bleeding, apply dressings, administer an antiseptic and morphine. According to warfarehistorynetwork.com, “The medic was not a trained physician, but had extensive Army training in first aid. During boot camp the medics were sometimes subjected to ridicule by the gun-toting fellow grunts, but things changed in combat. Then the lowly medic was universally beloved by the soldiers.”

Tarini was awarded the Silver Star for bravery posthumously. In 1947, Albert Tarini’s parents were presented with the Silver Star after their son’s death. According to a Standard-Times article “during an enemy bombardment near Azerailles, Frace in November 1944, Mr. Tarini saw a wounded soldier, flung himself over the soldier’s body, shielding him with his own and administered first aid.”

The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for gallantry in action.

Tarini was killed on March 3, 1945, less than six months after rescuing his comrade. He received the Purple Heart posthumously for the ultimate sacrifice he paid for his country. “The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration,” according to purpleheart.org.

During the month of June, the 57th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory Technician 5th Grade, Albert Tarini of New Bedford.
Albert was predeceased by his parents and his four brothers: Arthur, Joseph, Primo and Richard; and a sister, Albina Gagliardi.

‘A day of happiness’:World War II hero medic remembered with monument

According to a Standard-Times article, dated Aug. 18, 1997, Albert’s brother, Joseph Tarini, worked tirelessly to have a monument constructed in his brother’s name. After two years of unsuccessfully obtaining permission at various sites throughout the city, he was finally able to accomplish it with the help of then councilor David Alves, then councilor John Saunders and approval from then mayor Rosemary Tierney. The Tarini family paid for the monument which is located near Campbell Elementary School. Members of Tarini’s unit, the 165th Engineers Combat Battalion, attended the ceremony held once the monument was completed, to honor their friend. Manuel Camacho, a member of the battalion commented, “We took a beating during that battle. We went through a lot and it was a beautiful thing (commemorating a monument), to hear that something like this was happening.”

Ward City Councilor David Gerwatowski spoke to the crowd of family and veterans during the commemoration of the monument stating, “I was able to choose whether or not to serve in the military because of the unwavering patriotism and dedication of people like Al Tarini. This is a celebration of his bravery, of a soldier, of the love of his family.”

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at [email protected].