ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS, Md. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity presented the Order of Saint Maurice Awards to four World War II veterans at the at the Glen Meadows Retirement Center in December.

Pete Reid, a former AMSAA employee, discovered four World War II veterans who served in the Infantry residing at Glen Meadows Retirement Center and set out to give them long overdue recognition. Reid began by contacting Robert Chandler, an AMSAA employee and member of National Infantry Association, to assist in getting this award recognition.

The Order of Saint Maurice Awards were presented to Staff Sgt. (ret.) Alfonso A. Roberty, Master Sgt. (ret.) George E. Turner, Jr., Cpl. (ret.) Michael Romanelli and Sgt. (ret.) Paul A. Guntzel on behalf of the Chief of Infantry, U.S. Army and the President of the National Infantry Association by Col. Mark A. Lukens, military deputy of AMSAA and Col. Keith B. Hauk, director of materiel Department of the Army.

"We are not here just to honor these four great infantrymen, but the entire WWII generation, 'the greatest generation,'" said Col. Mark Lukens, AMSAA chief of staff. "They grew up during the Great Depression, defeated Hitler Germany and Imperial Japan and continued on to create atomic energy, build the interstate highway system, put a man on the moon, and ultimately win the Cold War."

Roberty served in the 14th Infantry Regiment taking part in the breaching of the Seigfried Line, the seizures of the cities of Bayreuth and Regensburg in Germany and the military occupation of Munich and Wursburg. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Victory Medal, the Army Occupation Medal and the European Theater Operations Medal with 2 battle stars upon his honorable discharge; he furthered his education receiving a doctorate in education from the University of Maryland. He served 37 years in the Harford County Maryland Public School System where he was superintendent from 1970-1988.

Turner also served in the 14th Infantry Regiment and participated in the same action as Roberty, Seigfried Line, the seizures of Bayreuth and Regenburg. He also participated in the freeing of the infamous Gunskirchen concentration camp. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, a Bronze Star and letters of service from President Truman and General Omar Bradley. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for many years at the Bendix Corporation.

Romanelli served in the 301st Infantry Regiment and fought in the Battle of Orscholz during which he was captured by the German Army in January 1945. For three months, he endured many hardships as a prisoner of war until he was liberated in April 1945. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, POW Medal, Campaign Medal with 4 Battle Stars and a Purple Heart. Upon his honorable discharge, he furthered his education receiving a Masters in mathematics from Penn State University. He was employed at the U.S. Army Ballistics Research Laboratory and helped in the development of the ENIAC until his retirement in 1968.

Guntzel served initially in the 143rd Infantry Regiment as a 60mm mortarman, was reassigned to the 36th Infantry Division for the Italian Campaign fighting the Germans at San Pietro and participating in the liberation of Rome. His unit was transferred to France participating in Operation Dragoon. He was awarded the Combatman's Infantry Bade, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Upon his honorable discharge, he pursued training in business rising to the position of senior executive for an insurance company with operations in Maryland and New York.

"They all fought in combat, and their service literally saved the world. That alone makes them heroes. But, they didn't stop there -- they went on to become engineers, scientists, educators; they helped build the modern age; and they took that world they saved and bequeathed to us a better place," said Col. Keith Hauk, director of materiel at Department of the Army G8. "To me, that makes them legendary."

The Order of St. Maurice was established in1994 by the U.S. Army Infantry Center and School and the National Infantry Association. The Order recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of the Infantry, and is awarded based on recommendations, as recognized by an individual's superiors, subordinates and peers. The award is given for individual actions, as well as, a career or lifetime of achievement.