Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors Albert Tarini with Lights of Peace Flag Dedication

During the month of June, the 57th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Technician 5th Grade Albert Tarini, who, at the age of 24, was killed in action during WWII.

Albert Tarini was born in New Bedford on April 22, 1921, to Serafino and Anna Tarini. He attended New Bedford schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 19, 1943, at the age of 22. He served as a combat medic in the 165th Combat Engineer Battalion, earning the rank of Technician 5th Grade. He was killed in action on March 3, 1945, at the age of 24. World War II would end six months later, on September 2, 1945. Tarini was awarded the Silver Star for bravery posthumously. In 1947, Albert Tarini’s parents were presented with the Silver Star after their son’s death.

According to a Standard-Times article, “during an enemy bombardment near Azerailles, France in November 1944, Mr. Tarini saw a wounded soldier, flung himself over the soldier’s body, shielding him with his own and administered first aid.” The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for gallantry in action.

Tarini was killed on March 3, 1945, less than six months after rescuing his comrade. He received the Purple Heart posthumously for the ultimate sacrifice he paid for his country. “The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration,” according to purpleheart.org.

Albert was predeceased by his parents and his four brothers: Arthur, Joseph, Primo, and Richard; and a sister, Albina Gagliardi.

According to a Standard-Times article dated August 18, 1997, Albert’s brother, Joseph Tarini, worked tirelessly to have a monument constructed in his brother’s name. After two years of unsuccessfully obtaining permission at various sites throughout the city, he was finally able to accomplish it with the help of then Councilor David Alves, then Councilor John Saunders, and approval from then Mayor Rosemary Tierney. The Tarini family paid for the monument, which is located near the Campbell Elementary School. Members of Tarini’s unit, the 165th Engineers Combat Battalion, attended the ceremony held once the monument was completed to honor their friend. Ward City Councilor David Gerwatowski spoke to the crowd of family and veterans during the commemoration of the monument, stating, “I was able to choose whether or not to serve in the military because of the unwavering patriotism and dedication of people like Al Tarini. This is a celebration of his bravery, of a soldier, of the love of his family.”