Joseph Burlazzi

Burlazzi KIA in North Africa

(April 15, 1943) -- Pvt. Joseph L. Burlazzi, 25, of Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Belleville, N.J., was killed in action late last month at the North African front.

A veteran of ten successive battles, he aided in the capture of German prisoners.

Burlazzi enlisted in the Army in 1940. He trained at Fort Devons, Mass.

He went overseas more than a year ago and was stationed in England, until the invasion last fall of North Africa.

Burlazzi was born in Smith's Mills, Pa.

Distinguished Service Cross To Burlazzi

(Oct. 7, 1943) -- A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded posthumously to Pvt. Joseph Burlazzi, the ''first local war casualty'' who was killed in action on March 23 near Tunisia.

Pvt. Burlazzi earned the service cross during his last encounter. Brigadier General E. L. Ford said, " ... during assault on enemy forces ... Burlazzi and another man volunteered ... into the face of enemy fire to take up an abandoned machine gun position ... they were responsible for turning an enemy assault into a retreat and allowing our own troops to advance... (they) moved (the) machine gun position ... Burlazzi went up with his rifle to provide security for his companion and was struck and killed by artillery fire."

His brother Guido of Mount Pleasant Avenue accepted the award.

PVT Joseph L. Burlazzi
ID: 12009274
Branch of Service: U.S. Army
Hometown: Essex County, NJ
Status: KIA

Source:

The Belleville Times, April 15, Oct. 7, 1943; May 18, 1944

National World War II Memorial