Honored
Lt. Romaine J. Buzzetti of Williams has been commended by the commander of his destroyer squadron for meritorious conduct during a night air attack by enemy aircraft at Palermo, Sicily, in August 1943, according to a dispatch received here by the Freeman-Journal from the navy public relations department in Des Moines.
The commendation reads, “About 0410 (4:10 a. m.) Aug. 1, 1943, the harbor of Palermo, Sicily, in which were anchored a number of loaded troop transports and a large amount of merchant shipping, was heavily attacked by enemy aircraft.
“Lieutenant Buzzetti, when general quarters sounded, in total darkness and with a broken communication line to the bridge, supervised the heaving up of the anchor, thereby enabling the ship to clear its anchorage and engage the enemy with full armament as they flew over the harbor.
“The prompt and decisive action displayed by Lieutenant Buzzetti at this time reflects great credit on the naval service.”
Lieutenant Buzzetti is a veteran of many naval engagements fought with the Japs in the south Pacific but was transferred to operations with the Atlantic fleet last summer.
Source: Webster City Freeman, Webster City, IA - Feb. 3, 1944
Romaine Jacob Buzzetti was born Nov. 3, 1919 to Frank Silvio and Esther Dorothy May Spielman Buzzetti. He died Feb. 7, 2013 and is buried in the Alden Cemetery, Alden, IA.
Lt. Commander Buzzetti served with the U.S. Navy in World War II aboard the destroyers USS John D. Edwards, USS Nelson and USS Callaghan and participated in the battles of Java and Coral Seas.
Obituary of Romaine J. Buzzetti - Madison, WI
Romaine J. “Buzz” Buzzetti passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at his Oakwood Village East residence.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly (Johnson) in 2009; and by a son, Jeff in 1986. Buzz is survived by a sister, JoAnn of Alexandria, MN; and a daughter, Ramona (Becker) and her husband, Alan of Argyle, WI, their three daughters, Anne (Rookey) and her husband, Tim of Middleton, WI, Susan and her daughter, Lucy, of Evansville, WI, and Allison and her son Sylvan, of Evansville, WI, their son Marc and his wife, Lisa of Portland, OR; a daughter Diana (Boysen) and her husband, Byron, of Argyle, WI, and their two daughters, Nicole (Roberts) and her husband, Dan, and their son, Brock of Madison, WI and Michelle (Blau) and her husband, Richard, and their daughter, Reese, of Madison, WI, and their son, Darren of Albany, NY, and a son, Robert and his wife Gina of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and his three daughters, Diana, and her daughters, Riley, Erin and Angie (Fussner) and her husband, Andrew, and their son, Christian, and his son, Michael, all of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and a son, Anthony, and his wife, Lori and their daughter, Tessa and their son, Jake of Indianapolis, IN.
Buzz truly enjoyed life, especially being with his family and friends. His zest for living was infectious and his positive attitude, his stories and his practical jokes made you want to be with him. He was here to have a good time. Traveling extensively, hunting, fishing and sporting events, whatever; he was there.
WWII brought Buzz to service in the Navy, the majority of five plus years in the Northern Pacific aboard destroyers. He participated in numerous battles and was awarded a total of twelve medals and commendations. From rescuing a Kamikaze pilot whose plane had been shot down while attacking his ship, to being the Lt. Commander of the last destroyer sank in the war. Buzz had many stories and lots of memories to share.
Following military service, Buzz returned to Iowa State University and Vet school. He then spent his professional career as a Veterinarian, first and foremost in Central Iowa (Alden) and then after retirement to Bella Vista, AR. He practiced in Rogers, AR and in South Florida. Final retirement is when he and Beverly relocated to Madison in 1988.
Source: ancestry.com
