So I was reading an article earlier about the late James gandolfini(rip)

[daniel1234]

And apparently his father also named James was awarded a Purple Heart in ww2.
Does anyone know anymore information about it?
Also he was an Italian,
could non Americans be awarded Purple Hearts?
Thanks, Daniel

[HPL2008]

And apparently his father also named James was awarded a Purple Heart in ww2.
Does anyone know anymore information about it?
Also he was an Italian, could non Americans be awarded Purple Hearts?

James Joseph Gandolfini Sr. was born at Borgo Val di Taro in Italy; but from what his late son said about him, it is clear that he must have moved to the U.S. at a young age:

"He was a janitor for 36 years in a school in New Jersey, where I was raised. And in his youth he was a bricklayer who helped build Shea Stadium. He won a Purple Heart in World War II. He was a very good man."

(Source: Out to Lunch: James Gandolfini | Vanity Fair )

Surely, he fought in WW2 as a member of the U.S. armed forces and naturalized U.S. citizen.

[HPL2008]

As I thought. Here is a little more on this matter:

"His mother, Santa, was born in the U.S. but was raised in Naples, Italy before returning, while his father, James Joseph Gandolfini, Sr., was born in Borgo Val di Taro, a rural town in Northern Italy, around 100 miles south of Milan. The couple, who were both devout Roman Catholics, moved to New Jersey and in a strange twist, Gandolfini Sr. went on to battle his birth country while fighting for the U.S. Army in World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded on the front lines in France."

(Source: James Gandolfini's early years growing up in New Jersey | Mail Online )

[slados28]

Very interesting revelation (to me at least) in light of this great actor's sudden passing... thanks for sharing!

Been a fan of Gandolfini ever since watching the first episode of Sopranos, sad to see him go at such a relatively young age... but, I guess, worded in typical Tony Soprano lingo in light of a sad situation: "ehhh, whaddayagonna do..."

[Wagriff]

There are many servicemen Today that are not born citizens....

[Larry C]

Living in New Jersey myself......I am saddened by his passing. I found it exhilarating as a Sopranos fan to visit those same places where filming took place,,eating in the same Restaurants and the infamous Soprano club house / go go club,, the "Baddabing"...aka real name " Wiggles" , a strip club owned by New Jersey mobster Vincent Palermo before it was shut down. He was an actor that was never selfish but remained in the middle and remembered those who helped him to the top. RIP

[slados28]

Yes, very sad indeed... I actually visited New York early January of last year and meant to do the Sopranos tour as I'm a big fan but we never got around to visiting New Jersey, unfortunately... oh well, next time around, I guess