The Museum of Military
Memorabilia at the Naples Airport is now home to documents and photos about
World War II Coast Guardsman Henry J. Cotellessa, winner of the Navy Cross.
Cotellessa, a signalman third
class, was cited for “extraordinary heroism and bravery in combat action
against the enemy . . .on August 8th 1942 in the South
Pacific.” He is credited with saving
seven wounded and drowning US Marines whose landing craft was destroyed by
Japanese attacks, “while continuing to fire on incoming Japanese aircraft with
his sidearm.”
The donors are family members
Gabriel Iacovetti and Terry Alonzo, who said none of Cotellessa’s descendants
knew of his heroism until after his death.
