Joe Shomo served in World War II. Many people have wondered why World War II Veterans are called the “Greatest Generation”. In 2020, Veteran Shomo recorded his story of serving during World War II and explained why World War II Veterans are referred to as the “Greatest Generation”. Click here to watch and learn why. Thanks to Joe Shomo, many people now understand what “greatest generation” actually means.
Joe was born in South Fork, PA, on Aug. 21, 1923, and grew up in Derry, PA, where he developed a love for baseball and basketball. After graduating high school in 1941, he attended the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 24, 1943.
Shomo underwent basic training and specialized as a T5 radio repairman, serving in various locations, including Fort McClellan, Alabama, and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He was deployed to France, where he provided critical radio repair support during the war. Following his honorable discharge on Feb. 9, 1946, he continued his education, earning degrees in education and accounting. In addition to his military service, Joe had a successful career working for several notable companies, including IBM, Trans World Airlines, Mack Trucks, U.S. Steel and Hamilton Oil.
He has lived in cities such as Baltimore, Jacksonville and Littleton, Colorado. He married Marcella Shomo on July 21, 1960, and they enjoyed nearly 50 years together before her passing. In 1996.
Joe continues to enjoy retirement in Elkton, FL, not far from St. Augustine, FL.
Nominated by B. Heath