Hometown Hero Anthony D'Arpino

He tried to enlist in 1942, when he was a senior high school. He parents would not approve, but in 1943, the 18-year old was drafted.

He served in the 87th Infantry Division, 347th Company C (known as the Golden Acorn) during the war and received the Purple Heart for wounds during his service.

Last year he was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mr. D'Arpino and his wife (of 65 years) Dorothy love spending time with their children, Lynn, Tina, Tony and John.

Tina is proud of her dad, and says her dad is very proud of his military service. He is still very active with the Herkimer Veterans Council and Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was responsible for getting the Purple Heart flag flying over Yankee Stadium in New York City, and he personally places flags on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day.

Mr. D'Arpino celebrated a birthday over the weekend...and now, Eyewitness News celebrates and salutes you, Anthony D'Arpino...we are proud to have you as our Hometown Hero.