Medals
Received: American Ex-Prisoner of War Medal, Army Occupation
Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Marksman Medal (30
Cal. Heavy Machine Gun), Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign (3 Battle
Stars), Good Conduct Medal, Honorable Service Medal WWII, Marksman Medal
(M1 Rifle Carbine Pistol), Normandy Freedom Jubilee Medal, Presidential
Unit Citation, World War II Victory Medal,
Military
Job: Army Machine Gunner
Company:
Van Norman Machine Tool, Springfield, MA
Occupation
after War: Machine Tool Supervisor, Auxiliary Police
Bio:
Emil Raimondi entered the army in 1943, trained at Camp Blanding,
Florida and the American Armour School in Swindon, England. He landed on
Omaha Beach on D-Day+6 and was assigned to the 30th Division, 117th
Infantry, A Company as a replacement in the heavy weapons section. After
heavy fighting with the Germans, the 30th was able to secure the town of
St. Lo and proceeded on through France to Mortain to relieve the 1st
Division. German strafing and heavy tank movement forced the soldiers to
use most of their munitions. With low ammunition and food supplies and a
large concentration of German soldiers in front of them, the platoon was
finally forced to surrender on August 7, 1944.
For three months, Emil and approximately 75 other prisoners were
confined to a German box car and were taken from Paris to Stalag VIIB in
Memmingen, Germany. Very little food, cramped conditions and no toilet
facilities were a way of life in these boxcars. In October 1944, the
prisoners were moved to Augsburg, Germany to become part of Arbites
Kommando #663B, a workcamp where they made shingles for bombed out
German buildings. Emil remained in this camp until April 27, 1945 when
he was liberated by Patton's troops. Because the work camp was not
registered with the U.S. Army Air Corps, it was bombed often. Barracks
were lost but there were no POW fatalities.
During his 6 months of captivity, Emil and the other POWs in his camp
received humane treatment from one of the German guards, Otto. He would
follow the directions of his superiors but never over-emphasized his
position with the POWs. He would often bring them bread and food from
the local farmers and the POWs would trade their cigarettes and
chocolate for these items. On April 24, 1945 Emil and the other POWs in
his camp were moved as the Americans closed in on the area and the
Germans were forced into hasty retreat. Several of the POWs convinced
the German guard, Otto to remain with them and surrender to the
Americans. They, in turn, wrote a letter for him reassuring the
Americans that they had not been mistreated by him.
Emil was liberated on April 27, 1945, returned to the United States and
went back to work for Van Norman Machine Tool Company where he had
worked prior to the war. He also served as an Auxiliary Policeman for
the town of East Longmeadow, MA. where he has lived for most of his
life.
Emil and his wife, Rita have three children: Patricia, Richard and
William, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. They are life
members of the AX-POWs actively participating in many POW-MIA
activities. Emil is a life member of the DAV, the 30th Division
Association and the 30th Division, North East Chapter. They regularly
volunteer for the ex-POWs in Western Massachusetts and have been
instrumental in establishing several memorials in local cities to honor
the POW-MIA veterans in that area. Emil served as Commander of the
Western Massachusetts Chapter from 1985-86, 1987-88, and 1997-1998. Rita
is the chapter historian. He also served as the Massachusetts State
Commander from 1990-1991. Their volunteer activities include the VA
Medical Center in Northampton, MA. and the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in
Holyoke, MA.
Message to Future Generations:
It is important for the young people today to study about our country's
history, especially the wars that we have been involved in and the
horrors that resulted from these wars. "Love of neighbor" is
certainly a commandment that is ignored when countries and people are
engaged in war. Children need to remember that a world of peace and
harmony is a lot better place to live in and, that it takes sacrifice on
the part of everyone, to restrain from war and the destruction that it
brings. "Love" is a powerful word and needs to be expressed
more often in our daily lives.
