Dan Cirucci: Italian American Heritage Month: WWII Warriors

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Italian American Heritage Month: WWII Warriors

During World War II, Italian-Americans demonstrated unparalleled patriotism by enlisting in the U.S. military. Estimates suggest that between 750,000 and 1.5 million individuals of Italian descent served, comprising approximately 10% of the total U.S. armed forces.

This remarkable participation rate made Italian-Americans the largest ethnic group to serve in the military during the war. Their commitment was not just a testament to their loyalty to the United States but also a reflection of their deep-seated values of family, community, and resilience.

Among these brave individuals, 14 Italian-Americans received the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary acts of valor. Notable figures include Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, who earned both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his heroism in the Pacific, and Col. Henry Mucci, who led the daring rescue of 511 prisoners from the Bataan Death March.

Their stories are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Italian-Americans in defense of freedom and democracy. We honor their legacy and the enduring spirit of service that continues to inspire future generations.

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About Dan Cirucci

He's been cited by the late Rush Limbaugh, quoted in the New York Times, featured at Real Clear Politics and Lucianne.com and interviewed across all media.

He's Dan Cirucci, the founder and editor-in chief of the Dan Cirucci Blog, a Save Jersey blog columnist, frequent guest on the Matt Rooney radio show and one of the most widely honored public relations professionals in his field. He's also been a public relations consultant to numerous organizations and individuals and hosted The Advocates on RVN-TV.

Inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame, for many years he served as a Lecturer in Corporate Communication at Penn State University. A former President of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) he has lectured at Rowan University, Temple University, The College of New Jersey and Arcadia University. He has conducted workshops on public relations for thousands of participants throughout the nation and has taught countless others the art of public speaking. He has also advised numerous lawyers, judges, public officials and political candidates.

Cirucci is a prolific writer and his op-ed pieces have appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Courier-Post, Broad and Liberty and other print and online platforms.

A native of Camden NJ, Cirucci is a former President of the Philadelphia chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Cirucci served as Associate Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Association for nearly 30 years. He served as Chair of Penn State University's Professional Advisory Board for the Corporate Communication major at Penn State Abington and on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Judicial Selection Commission.

He received his MA degree from Rowan University and his BA from Villanova University. He has been named a Distinguished Alumnus of Rowan's public relations program and received the E. A. "Wally" Richter Leadership Award, the highest honor from the National Association of Bar Executives' Communications Section. He has also been honored by numerous other local, state and national groups.

In his hometown of Camden, Cirucci taught fifth grade at the Ulysses Wiggins Elementary School named for the founder of the Camden NAACP. There he was one of the first teachers in the country to teach African-American history to inner city students. He later served as editor of a local weekly newspaper, as Assistant to the Township Manager of Cherry Hill Township and as Associate Director of Communications at the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Cirucci's passions include all things Italian, politics, the popular culture, books and authors, art, communication, music, theatre, movies, dining and travel.

He and his wife Carole have two grown children and seven grandchildren.

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