Images(2)

Map

Object number2016.37.1

Date1944

MediumSilk; Ink; Graphite

Credit LineGift of Patty Onesta

DescriptionSilk map of the Zones of France.DimensionsHeight x Width: 23.5 × 21.5 in. (59.7 × 54.6 cm)
InscriptionsCountries, cities, and bodies of water are indicated with text.
The owner hand-wrote in graphite "UTAH BEACH" in the top left quadrant.
MarksText along top, from left to right, "1:2,000,000", "ZONES OF FRANE", "RALPH PALERMO", and "SECOND EDITION".
Text along bottom, from left to right, "1.S.9. (WEA) MAR 44", "English Miles / Kilometres", "The Heights engraved on the Map are in English Feet".
Historical NotesSilk map of France used during WWII with the occupied areas demarcated. On this map, Ralph V. Palermo marked the movements of his infantry division throughout France and Belgium, including its landing on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion and the Battle of Cherbourg. Ralph V. Palermo was born on January 25, 1919, to Italian immigrants Luigi and Giovanna Palermo in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. One of eight children, Palermo spent his youth living in McKees Rocks, Pa. He graduated from Stowe High School, McKees Rocks, Pa. in 1936. In January 1942, Palermo enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned as a personnel clerk to Company C, 9th Medical Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Throughout his military service, Palermo served in eight campaigns, mostly under Generals Patton and Eisenhower in North Africa, France, and Germany. While participating in these campaigns, Palermo saw action as a medic and relief ambulance driver in major battles, including the invasions of North Africa and Sicily, D-Day landings on Utah Beach, and the Battle of Cherbourg. He was honorably discharged in September 1945 with the rank of staff sergeant and received awards including a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Medical Badge. Palermo married Nellie Cracciola in 1947 and with her had two children, Ralph, Jr., and Patricia. Beyond his work as an insurance agent, Palermo participated in many veterans and civic organizations throughout the 1990s. Ralph V. Palermo died on February 10, 2000.

Previous owner Ralph V. Palermo

Related institution United States Army

Subjects

Terms