Tag, Identification
Tag, Identification
Tag, Identification

Tag, Identification

Object number2015.20.2
Datec. 1942
MediumMetal
Credit LineGift of Mary Antol
DescriptionWorld War II dog tag. Gray metal. Rectangular with rounded short ends and corners. Hole on one end with ball chain threaded through. Metal religious medal attached to ball chain; medal has shallow relief of Catholic religious scene on one side and raised text on the reverse. Dog tag has imprinted text of soldier name and service number.Dimensions1.125 x 5.25 x 0.25 in. (2.9 x 13.3 x 0.6 cm)
InscriptionsDog tag has imprinted text of soldier name and service number "JOSEPH S CORDASCO / 33167834 T42 A / C".

Metal religious medal has raised text on the reverse "I AM / A CATHOLIC / IN CASE OF / AN ACCIDENT / KINDLY CALL / A PRIEST".
Historical NotesJoseph Cordasco came to the United States in 1915 with his father, first to the North Side. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and served with the 5th Army in North Africa and Italy as a Master Sergeant in the Quartermasters unit. While Joseph was serving in the American Army, his brother Pietro was serving in the Italian Army. They met up while Joseph was stationed in Naples and dressed Pietro up as an American soldier so he could stay on base for a couple weeks. Joseph was also able to return to Calabria after V-E Day and visit his mother and other siblings. After he returned from the war, Joseph married Rosalie in 1946, who he had met before the war at a paesani picnic for people from San Donato di Ninea living in America. They settled in Pitcairn where they had one daughter, Mary Cordasco. He opened Joe's Shoe Store in the 1950's, which remained open until business waned with the opening of the Miracle Mile in Monroeville. After closing the shoe store Joseph worked at Westinghouse and assisted with Helpy's Tavern.
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