Ambrosio was working for the Herman Supply House as a deliveryman
on Sunday, December 7, 1941. On that day his world would change as well as
thousands of other men and women around the country.
He entered the U.S.Navy on July 28, 1944 as a Seaman Apprentice.
Ambrosio eventually made his way to the South Pacific and
participated in the invasion of the island of Okinawa. His job was the
operation of the U.S.Navy’s landing craft known as “Higgins Boats.” These craft
were an innovation that was unknown up until WWII. The front of the craft was
hinged and allowed troops to exit forward instead of jumping off the sides.
This was seen as safer and more efficient.
It was also very hazardous duty as the drivers had to place
themselves high enough in able to see over the ramp at the front of the landing
craft. Many times, these drivers were singled out by gunners on shore to be hit
and possibly disable the craft.
He also had the duty of taking his craft onto the beach and
transporting the wounded off the beach onto hospital ships offshore.
Ambrosio was awarded the WWII Victory Medal with one star.
He was discharged from the Navy in July of 1946.
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