 WWII veteran Roland Demers and retired Italian army Col. Lanfranco Berardi stand before a monument honouring Capt. Paul Triquet and other members of the Royal 22nd Regiment Wednesday.
Kathleen Harris/Sun Media
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ORTONA, Italy - A retired Italian army colonel paid special tribute today to a Quebec officer who earned the Victoria Cross for valour in his backyard.
Col. Lanfranco Berardi was just five years old when the Royal 22nd Regiment arrived at his family's country homestead near Ortona. At first he was afraid of them - but he soon warmed up to them when they shared their chocolate and oranges from Sicily.
Honour to have been a witness to the humanity, kindness and true brotherhood shown at this time by the Canadian soldiers.
"In 1943, thanks to them I learned to smile again, and with the hot soups and the chocolate I forgot my hunger," he said through the translation of his grandson.
Berardi paid tribute not only to the kindness, but to the courage of Canadians - especially Capt. Paul Triquet.
At the time, gaining the key road junction to Ortona depended on securing the hamlet of "Casa Berardi." It was a German stronghold heavily defended by infantry and tanks.
It is where Triquet of Cabano, Que. earned a Victoria Cross.
On Dec. 14, 1943, his company was tasked with crossing the gully and securing the Casa Berardi. The last platoon to try was wiped out.
But Triquet's group, supported by tanks, managed to get across to the Berardi property despite heavy casualties.
The spawling property now includes vineyards and a plaque attached to the side of the home honouring Triquet and the Royal 22nd Regiment.
Today, Berardi joined a group of veterans, students and politicians commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign laid wreaths at a special monument also erected on the site.
"It is a small token that represents a great moral achievement," he said.
After the war, Berardi's parents were accused of being spies and would likely have been shot if the Canadian military police had not provided proof they had supported the Allies.
News reports from London in March 1944 said Triquet was awarded the Victoria Cross for "showing the most magnificent courage under heavy fire."
"Wherever action was the hottest he was often seen shouting encouragement and organizing the defence," the report said. "His utter disregard of danger, his cheerfulness and tireless devotion to duty were a constant source of inspiration."
The Victoria Cross if the British Commonwealth's highest military decoration for bravery.
Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson thanked Berardi for his dedication to honouring Canada's sacrifice.
"You and your family have preserved this solemn land and its stories for generations to come," he said. "And you have done so as more than the custodians of our shared history. You have been true friends to Canada - and you have been like family to every Canadian who passes this way."
kathleen.harris@sunmedia.ca
