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CCSU Veterans History Project

Oral history interview with Mario J. Portera recorded 2008 Sep. 22

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Oral history interview with Mario J. Portera recorded 2008 Sep. 22

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Title	Oral history interview with Mario J. Portera recorded 2008 Sep. 22
Description	Interview conducted by Joshua Randorf and Eileen Hirst. Mario Portera was drafted in 1942 into the U.S. Army during World War II. He was one of ten brothers, three of whom died in childhood. During World War II, all seven brothers were drafted into the service. Four brothers, including Mario, served overseas while three served in the States. After completing basic training at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland, Portera’s first assignment was in North Africa. Although he had never driven previously, he volunteered to drive a jeep as soon as they landed. With the help of a few lessons from his fellow soldiers, he drove over 700 miles to Constantine over one and a half days. He went on to head the Motor Pool and eventually learned to drive 6x6 troop carriers, weapons carriers, a trailer tank as well as armored tank. While he never saw combat, his company was responsible for moving troops and supplies to the front lines. While stationed in France, Portera received news that his older brother, Sal, passed away from spinal meningitis. He was never able to go to the funeral, and as with many service men at the time, his brother was buried in England. Portera served in Italy and France before being honorably discharged in 1945 following VJ Day. He returned to the States and has lived in the Bronx ever since. Married with a son, daughter, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Portera feels fortunate that he made it home safely and has a beautiful family. He is a member of his neighborhood Veteran’s organization.
Coverage	1942-1945
Date Original	09/22/2008
Digital Format	video/x-ms-wmv
Duration	0:48:07
Contributors	Randorf, Joshua Hurst, Eileen
Software	Windows Media Player required for viewing
Access Restrictions and Permissions	No access restrictions. For permission to reproduce contact Central Connecticut State University, Center for Public Policy and Social Research at (860) 832-2976
Image Identifier	VHP2008/16
Collection	Veterans History Project, Mario Portera Papers
Creator/Owner	Portera, Mario
War or Conflict	World War, 1939-1945
Branch of Service	United States. Army
Unit of Service	United States. Army. 3654th Truck Company
Rank	Tech 5
Status	Veteran
Subject	World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal Narrative, American United States. Army -- Military life
Geographic Location	Fort George G. Meade (Md.) Africa, North Italy France Fort Dix (N.J.)
Publisher	Central Connecticut State University. Center for Public Policy and Social Research
Language	eng
Relation	Veterans History Project (U.S.)
Type of Resource	Moving image
Citation	Mario Portera Papers. VHP2008/16. Veterans History Project; Central Connecticut State University, Center for Public Policy and Social Research.
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Oral history interview with Mario J. Portera recorded 2008 Sep. 22

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