On March 13, Eugene Brustolon, 95, of 29 Prospect Hill Road, Noank, received a recognition award, referred to as the “We honor Veterans Pining Ceremony” from the Hospice Veterans Partnership. Brustolon received the award for his heroic services as an Army private first class during World War II. The award was sponsored by Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern Connecticut, based in Norwich.

The ceremony included a presentation of the award “to honor what you gave to your country” by David Phillips of the Center for Hospice Care, followed by a blessing performed by Hospice Chaplain Mark Porizky. Others present included his wife Betty, his son Carl, his niece Cindy Casey, a contingent of four members of American Legion Post 115 led by Russell Fowler of Noank, another caregiver and several local family friends. Refreshments were served following the ceremony.

A highlight of the event included the brief history of Brustolon’s wartime experiences, as summarized by Phillips, of which many of us present had never been aware.

Young Eugene was drafted into the Army in 1943, serving in the 533rd Engineering Battalion at Camp Devons and other US bases, ending at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey where he was preparing to join the active war in Europe. At the last minute, he was suddenly re-assigned to Fort Ord in California and from there was sent to the newer war occurring in the Pacific.

Eugene became the helmsman of one of the landing barges that landed invasion troops on several island beaches in the Pacific Ocean, a very dangerous job. Following the end of the Pacific war, he visited Japan and witnessed the massive destruction from the bombs. Apparently, Eugene did not really enjoy being in the Army because it involved killing people, but he did perform his assigned duties without complaint.

Mr. Phillips also related an amusing story about Eugene being cajoled into participating in a boxing tournament which involved fighting a much larger, stronger friend of his for two rounds. The “friend” beat up Eugene pretty badly in the first round. So, at the beginning of the 2nd round, Eugene raised his hand, looked up towards Heaven, uttered the cry “Lord, I need your help and I need it now!” and then came charging out fast, catching his larger opponent off guard and landing a classic one-two punch.

Private First Class Eugene Brustolon was the winner of that fight.

Edward R. Johnson lives at 87 Main Street, Noank. You can reach him at (860) 536-1589.