PIANOSINATICO, Italy — Local residents, U.S. Army representatives, and civic leaders gathered Aug. 23 in this mountain village to unveil a monument honoring two American soldiers who died in the region during World War II.
The event, organized by the Laltrolato del Caposaldo Association, commemorated Privates Robert Morasco and Charles Hunnicut of the 85th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. Both men were killed in action in the final months of the war, fighting in the rugged terrain of northern Italy. While Morasco has long been remembered with a memorial stone, Hunnicut’s name had not been formally recognized—until now.
The day began at 10 a.m. with the arrival of guests at the Laltrolato Museum in Piazza della Chiesa. Attendees then moved to La Voltata, the site of the new monument, where they were greeted by local authorities, including Mayor Gabriele Bacci of Abetone Cutigliano.
“I am honored to see such a great participation from our allies” said Rossella Colò, president of the Laltrolato del Caposaldo Association and director of the local museum.
“I am grateful I had a chance to publicly recognize the sacrifices of the American militaries during WWII, sharing this celebration with them is particularly significant and meaningful today.”
Lt. Col. Ross Hertlein of the 405th Army Field Support Battalion, Africa, delivered remarks on behalf of the U.S. Army. He clarified that while the 10th Mountain Division is not currently stationed in Italy, the legacy of its Soldiers remains deeply embedded in the region’s history.
“Today we honor two Privates, Morasco and Hunnicut, they fought and died on this territory, we remember them and all the Soldiers who fought for freedom, for what was right,” said Hertlein. “Just because of their bravery in combat, this new Italian Republic was born.”
Hertlein said it is a privilege and an honor to continue to work side by side with soldiers and civilians of the Italian Republic, maintaining the same ideals that were shared 80 years ago.
“Today, we gather not to relive history, but to honor it,” said U.S. Army Garrison Italy Deputy Manager Tim Andersen. “Let this plaque be our lasting promise that no sacrifice will be forgotten, and no name left behind.”
“This plaque ensures that both men are remembered, side by side, just as they fought,” said Andersen. “We honor them not only for their bravery, but because they stood for something greater: the belief that peace, even in a foreign land, is worth protecting.”
Additional speeches were given by representatives of the municipality, the Laltrolato del Caposaldo Association and Carlo Sisi, a former British soldier whose father was originally from Pianosinatico. Following the unveiling of the monument, guests returned to the museum for a guided visit followed by lunch.
For more information about the museum and its ongoing efforts to preserve local wartime history, visit https://www.laltrolato.it.
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