On the recordMarch 10, 2017
A member of the Ohio Second District community passed away this week, and our Nation lost a hero. Charles Geraci was a beloved resident of Norwood, Ohio. He was known as a husband of 70\1/2\ years, grandfather to 31, and a great- grandfather to 16. But he was also an American hero. Charles enlisted in the Army on December 10, 1942, and, after basic training, was stationed in England in 1943. Just a few months later Charles was in the second wave at Omaha Beach in Normandy, where he was wounded while storming the beaches. After recovering and being sent back to his unit, Charles was wounded by shrapnel and then shot again during combat. He was in Normandy for only 5 months and credits his survival to God. While his courage earned him three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Award, Charles refers to his service during World War II with a deep humility that defines the Greatest Generation. He said: ``We were there to do the job, and we did it. And I came back.'' Our country can never repay Charles for his service and sacrifice, but we can stand as a grateful nation to honor his life and legacy with our deepest respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Helen, and the rest of the Geraci family. Truly, it is men and women like Charles Geraci whom we can credit for the gift of freedom that we are able to pass along to our children and grandchildren. They protected and preserved that gift with their very lives. For that, we remain eternally grateful.…
