VERNER J. SALAMONE
Branch of the Military: US Navy
Last/Current Rank: Chief Petty Officer, Metalsmith
Term of Service: 1942 – 1945
Veteran's Neighborhood: Mr. Salamone is deceased
Submitted by: his daughter, Linda Cates
Reflections on Veteran’s Military Service:
Vern Salamone was born in Chicago on September 7, 1922, the third of four children, and a first generation Italian-American. Growing up during the Great Depression, he worked hard, even as a child. He went to Lloyd Elementary School, and graduated from Lane Tech in 1940.
In 1942, with the country at war, Vern enlisted in the Navy. As an experienced welder, he served aboard the USS Clamp, a salvage ship in the Pacific Ocean. After a battle, the Clamp would sail to the area and the crew would repair the damaged ships. Dad never spoke of his duty during the war, but his very brief service diary tells of suicide bombers, damaged or sunken vessels, planes being shot down, and lost and injured men. He served aboard the USS Clamp from '43-'45.
In 1943, at a family wedding, Vern met his Rosie, and proposed to her on their first date. They were married on July 14, 1945, and were together till she passed away on her 83rd birthday in 2005, a total of 60 years. They had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was reunited with his Rosie in August of 2008.
*Mrs. Cates also donated her father’s uniform for display during the month of November.
