Frank Bello
Navy
Middle Island
Frank Bello was born on Feb. 1, 1910 in
Calabria, Italy. At the age of five, he immigrated to the United
States with his widowed mother, taking up residence on the lower
eastside of Manhattan. On Sept. 28, 1940, Frank married Anne Rupolo
of Coram (sister of Thomas Rupolo) and built their family home
there. Their son, Robert, was subsequently born on May 1, 1942.
Frank was inducted into the U.S. Navy on January 14, 1944. He served
in the Atlantic on board a submarine chaser while stationed at
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He then served in the Pacific Theater,
participating in engagements at Saipan, Guam, Peleliu, Iwo Jima,
Okinawa and in Korea at the end of hostilities. He was attached to
the LCS Flotilla Three, Service Squadron 10, serving as a Motor
Machinist's Mate, Third Class (MOMM3C). Frank received the Asiatic
Pacific Medal with 1 star, the American Theater Medal, the Victory
Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 stars, and a Naval
Unit Citation. Frank was discharged from the service on March 3,
1946.
Upon his return to Coram, Frank became an active member
of the Coram community. He, along with several others, successfully
petitioned for the establishment of St Francis Cabrini R.C. Church
in Coram. Subsequently, he was instrumental in founding Boy Scout
Troop #64; and acted as the troop leader for many years. He joined
the Coram Volunteer Fire Dept. and was a member of the Selden
Chapter of the American Legion, as well as the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Medford Unit.
Written by
Sharon Hickman
Feb. 2007