‘I want to show that this wasn’t forgotten‘: WWII veteran remembers service in Burma

Posted

Joseph Mandato, 91, sits on the couch in the apartment he shares with his wife Sue at Pocasset Bay Manor in Johnston, the evidence of his three-year tour with the Army during World War II neatly arranged on the coffee table in front of him.

The medals and pins signifying his accomplishments include a bronze star and three battle campaign ribbons, a letter of achievement from the Chinese government for exemplary fighting skill, and an album filled with photos he took while stationed in China, Burma and India.

Mandato, a retired bank manager and former corporal and combat engineer, is quiet and rather pensive. Born to first generation immigrant parents from Italy, Mandato grew up in Providence and graduated Central High school. He attended Bryant College for just six months before he decided to enlist at age 18.

“I was too young to have any regrets about signing up at the time. That was just the right thing to do,” he said.

As the number of World War II survivors declines, Mandato recognizes the importance of sharing his experiences. He fought in the China-Burma-India theater, which often took a back seat to Europe and the Pacific in terms of resources and media coverage.

“A lot of people call it the forgotten war. I want to show that this wasn’t forgotten, because we made a lot of sacrifices out there. I want the younger generations to know the history of their country,” he said.

Mandato was stationed in Burma for the majority of his time overseas, where he engaged in three battles and contracted malaria, suffering partial hearing loss as a result.

“We were scared and not adequately prepared to fight in the jungle, but we had to learn fast,” he said.

He recalls Japanese fighters hanging out of trees waiting to strike, and countless large leeches that would stick to the pant legs of soldiers.

“My unit lost 12 men. I said my prayers every night and did what I could,” he said. He would send his family part of his pay every month, along with a letter his sister would help translate to his parents.

Mandato returned to the U.S. in February 1945 at age 21 after traveling for 33 days on a ship through the Mediterranean.

“It was very hot and cramped. We would sleep three to a bunk and fight to get up to the deck to sleep outside. But as long as we got home, that was all that counted,” he said.

Mandato became emotional when he recalled getting off the ship in New York and seeing the Statue of Liberty.

“That was the best sight I ever saw,” he said. “All my friends came to meet me, and I was happy.”

Mandato said adjusting to life at home after three away was somewhat difficult, though he was happy to return to normalcy. Through the GI Bill, he finished college with a degree in business administration in 1948. He married his wife in 1952 after meeting her through the Italo-American Club, where he later became secretary for 40 years. Mandato boasts he is considered a life member and is also the oldest member of the Providence club. The couple has one son who lives in Florida.

Mandato says he does not regret joining the service, but often has dreams about his experiences. He turned down an offer to be made sergeant upon his return in 1945.

“I was happy because I learned a lot and met a lot of great people, but I was lucky to escape and was glad to get out of the war,” he said.

However, Mandato does believe military service would do the younger generation good.

“It would make them more efficient and adult,” he said.

Upon his return from the service, Mandato decided to save his uniform, where it sat in his closet for many years. Recently his son suggested the uniform be donated because it was in such good condition. Mandato’s uniform is now on display at the Naval and Maritime Museum at Battleship Cove in Fall River.

Mandato seems very pleased with this.

“I hope to visit the museum to see it if I get the chance,” he added.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here