Obituary of Vincent N. Novaco

Vincent N. Novaco May 09, 1918 - December 31, 2003 Former Captain Vincent N. Novaco, formerly of Lakeview Drive, Danbury, husband of the late Inez A. (Claretto) Novaco, died on Wednesday, December 31st, at the age of 85 at Bethel Health Care Center. He was the son of the late James V. and Lina (Gabriele) Novaco. He was born on May 9, 1918 in Danbury. He was a lifelong resident of Danbury with the exception of five years in active service in the United States Army. He attended St. Peter School and Danbury High School. He worked at the hatting trade until being called for active duty with Battery "D", 192 F.A. Regt. 43rd Division on February 24, 1941. He served as Signal Sergeant and in May of 1941 he was assigned to Fort Sill, Ok. For a specialized course in all phases of field artillery communications. After resuming duty with Battery "D" and participating in both the Louisiana and North Carolina maneuvers in 1941, he was accepted for Officer's School at Fort Knox, KY. After graduating he volunteered for overseas duty and was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, which at the time, was in action in Africa. He participated in the Tunisian Campaign and after the African hostilities were over he was assigned to the 191st Tank Bn. for the remainder of the war. He was the Commanding Officer of an assault gun platoon which consisted of (6)-105mm guns on M4 A3 Tanks which were involved in a great deal of action on the Anzio Beachhead. His platoon provided covering fire for units of the Special Services Force (Devils Brigade) on their nighttime raids across the Mussolini Canal into enemy held Nettuno. Col. Robert T. Fredericks who was commanding the Special Services Forces was later to become Commanding General of the 45th Division at which time he approved a Commendation for "Excellent Performance of Combat Duties" to then 1st Lieutenant Novaco. Lt. Novaco was also decorated for heroism on the Anzio Beachhead and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the "V" for Valor attachment. He received a battlefield promotion to 1st Lieutenant. He participated in six campaigns and two invasions for which he received six Campaign Stars and the Invasion Arrowhead. His tour of service took him to Africa, Italy, France and Germany. After landing in St. Maxime in Southern France his platoon was assigned to "Task Force Butler," named for General Buttler, commanding officer. The mission was to move as fast as possible to Montilimar to cut off the German 19th Army from its retreat from Southern France. His assault platoon also participated in the Liberation of the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945 in support of "I" Company 157th Infantry, 45th Division. His last combat mission was to support the troops in capturing the airfield at Neubiberg Germany where a few "jet" planes were stored. He served for a short period of time as the Administrator of Lengdorf, Germany before his return to the U.S. on September 17, 1945. Some of the experiences of his Tank Batallion's exploits at Anzio were written up in Ernie Pyles book, Brave Men in the chapter "Beachhead Fighters." Mr. Novaco received commendations from Col. Coburn 938th F.A. - Brig. Gen Meyers 45th Div. Arty. - Gen. Robert T. Fredricks and Col. A.Dolvin Co. 191st Tank Bn, all for excellent performance of Combat duties. His awards consisted of The Bronze Star with "V" device, the Bronze Star with Cluster for Meritorious Performance of Combat Duties, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Occupation Medal, European-African Defense Medal with 1 Silver Star and 1 Bronze Star for Six Campaigns, Bronze Arrowhead for Invasions, Combat Infantry Badge, Five Hash Mark for 34 months overseas duty, and Fifth Army Naples Commemorative Medal. On his return home he was elected the First President of the National Guard Veterans Association of Danbury. On April 27, 1946 he was married to Inez A. Claretto of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who predeceased him on March 4, 1993. He was active with the Knights of Columbus Glee Club, a lifetime member of the VFW 149, a member and Officer of the Germantown Volunteer Fire Department. He was active in the creation of the Danbury Volunteer Firemen's Council, having chaired the original By-laws Committee. He was an original member of St. Gregory the Great Church and served as an usher. He was active in planning the Annual Reunions of Battery "D" 192 F.A. Bn. He also compiled a wartime history of Battery "D." Copies were presented to the Danbury Library, The Bethel Library, The Scott Fanton Museum, and to the Camp Blanding, Florida, Historical Museum. After WW II he worked for Preferred Utilities, flight refueling, Doman Helicopters and Consolidated Controls Corp, from where he retired after 25 years of service. Mr. Novaco is survived by a son, James F. Novaco and his wife, Gail, of East Haven; daughter, Carol A. Baker of Prospect Heights, Il.; grandchildren, Heather Ebert, Jason, Bryan and Kristen Novaco; great grandchildren, Balen & Catherine Ann Ebert, and Taylor Rae Novaco. He is also survived by two sisters, Connie Rajcok of Harwinton, and Marion Rupolo of Port Richey, Fla; several nieces and nephews in both the U.S. and Canada. He was predeceased by a sister, Roaslie LeRose. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3rd 10:00am at St. Gregory the Great Church, Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury on Friday, January 2nd between the hours of 4 and 7 pm. Donations Information Memorial Contributions may be made in the memory of Vincent Novaco to St. Gregory the Great Church, 85 Great Plain Road, Danbury, CT> 06811, or to the charity of one's choice.