Rocco “Rocky” J. Moretto (1924 – 2018) was drafted into the United States Army during WWII in 1943. He was a member of Company C in the Army’s First Infantry Division, the legendary Big Red One, who stormed Omaha Beach at the cost of more than 2,000 casualties. After the Normandy landings, he went on to serve in five campaigns before the war ended. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and on the 60th anniversary of D-Day, he was honored with the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest honor, in recognition of his service.

A longtime Astoria resident, Moretto served on the United War Veterans Council of New York as well as post commander of American Legion Post 6 and the VFW Post 2348, located at 31-35 41st St between Broadway and 31st Avenue. VFW Post 2348 in Astoria was renamed in his honor in 2013.