Celebrating a milestone age of 99, World War II veteran Dominic Bersani received unforgettable birthday honors, including an honorary high school diploma and several military medals. The event, organized by the Rev. Francis A. Kelley Military Honor Society and the Lois Wilson Memorial Breakfast Club, was held at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post in East Greenbush, New York, where Bersani resides.
Bersani, a former Navy Seabee and fireman first class, was awarded an honorary diploma through the Operation Recognition Program. This initiative allows veterans who left school to serve their country an opportunity to obtain their diplomas. Joining the Columbia High School’s Class of 2025, Bersani shares this honor with fellow veteran Abram Seeberger, who also received an honorary diploma earlier in the year.
Among those present at the ceremony were prominent veterans and advocates, including Kelley Society spokesman Tom Mullins, a noted military historian. New York State Sen. Jacob Ashby, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, presented Bersani with the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal, while reading a proclamation in his honor.
Retired Marine Sgt. Ken Wells awarded Bersani additional honors, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, Cold War Commemorative Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Leaving School to Serve
Bersani’s journey began when he left school in eighth grade at Norridgewock Junior High School in Maine, disliking his French lessons. “I didn’t like French lessons so much that on my last day of school, I threw the textbook down and quit school,” he told the Albany-Times Union. He soon found work in a shoe factory.
On turning 17, Bersani enlisted in the Navy as the United States entered World War II. “The day I turned 17, I joined the Navy,” Bersani recounted. He was part of the Seabees, a Naval Construction Battalion, and was deployed to Adak Island to build crucial military infrastructure to counter Japanese advances, a mission greatly supported by 35,000 U.S. and Canadian troops.
The Seabees played a vital role during WWII, supporting military operations across the Pacific and European theaters. Their motto, “Can Do!” reflected their invaluable contributions to the war effort. Learn more about the Seabees.
Navy Calls Again
After his first honorable discharge in 1946, Bersani returned to the shoe factory in Maine. However, the call of duty brought him back to the Navy in 1949, where he was promoted to ship serviceman third class. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Florida, working on landing crafts for the Navy. The Cold War saw him deployed to missions in Cuba and the Caribbean before his final discharge in 1954.
Post-military, Bersani built bridges for Cinbro Construction in Maine, eventually retiring and moving to East Greenbush. Continuing his legacy of service, Bersani remains active in local veterans groups, decades after his naval career.
