Brick World War II Veteran Knighted By French Government

(Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero, Army Sgt. Joseph “Bob” Pocoroba, and Mayor John Ducey, as Pocoroba is given a proclamation by the Brick Township Council. Credit: Karen Wall)

Joseph “Bob” Pocoroba says he was just doing his job on New Year’s Eve in 1944 when he and his platoon engaged in a four-hour firefight that was instrumental in liberating a French town that had fallen under German control during World War II.

That’s not how others see it..

Pocoroba, who served as a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II had already received a Bronze Star for his efforts. In November, the French government thanked the 27-year Brick resident with a medal of its own: The insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, akin to knighthood.

Pocoroba was honored earlier this month by the Brick Township Council and Mayor John Ducey at a township council meeting, heralding his service and his awards with proclamations and a day named in his honor.

According to the council proclamation honoring him, Pocoroba joined the military right out of high school. He served in North Africa as a security guard for Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. He participated in the Allied Forces’ invasion of southern France in 1944. On Dec. 31, 1944, he lead a rear guard in Bitche, France, when he and his town engaged in a four-hour firefight that was instrumental to the liberation of the town.

“I don’t think I’m a hero,” Pocoroba said, deflecting the praise. “I was just a sergeant doing my job.”

In fact, he told USA Today that it took him three years to accept the invitation to be honored by the French. Even if he was humble about his experience, the official documents state otherwise.

According to his Bronze Star citation: “Disregarding the intense counterbattery fire and his own personal fatigue, he continued to direct accurate supporting fire. A platoon of one troop was surrounded and called for supporting fire. Though having a clearance of only 50 yards between the friendly and enemy forces, the crew fired effectively and forced the enemy to withdraw far enough to allow the platoon to escape.”

These are the kinds of stories that will be lost soon, said Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero, who presented the council’s proclamation. A World War II veteran dies every three minutes.

This statistic comes from the United States Veterans Administration. Approximately 555 World War II veterans are dying every day, and with them, a glimpse of history.

“Get them to tell you their stories before we lose them,” Pontoriero said.

Mayor John Ducey praised Pocoroba, stating that it is the commitment of men like him who helped give his generation the title of “the Greatest Generation.”