The following is a press release from state Sen.'s office.
On June 18, Colonel William B. Gargano of East Haven was awarded his 60-year medal as a member of Second Company, Governor’s Foot Guard.
Senator Len Fasano (R-North Haven) attended the Charleston Medal Drill competition Monday evening at the Branford Armory where they honored Colonel William B. Gargano with his medal.
Senator Fasano presented Colonel Gargano with a legislative citation and a letter from Governor Dannel P. Malloy. Colonel Gargano’s outstanding service to our Country began on October 29, 1942 when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps.
He honorably served during World War II in the European Theater with the 8th Air Force of the Army Air Corps, flying 31 missions, often encountering hostile fire.
“Colonel Gargano’s superior military knowledge, exceptional dedication to duty, extraordinary leadership qualities, and loyalty to his superiors and subordinates are indications of his almost seventy years of service to our Country and State,” said Sen. Fasano.
After his Honorable Discharge from the Army Air Corps, Colonel Gargano’s commendable service to our State began in January, 1956, when he enlisted in the Second Company, Governor’s Foot guard under the command of then Major Carl G. Swanson.
Colonel Gargano rose through the ranks, and, in January, 1976, he was elected by the Members of the Unit to be its Commandant, chosen to follow a distinguished line of leaders, beginning with the Second Company’s first commander, Benedict Arnold.
Upon completing his term as Commandant, Colonel Gargano was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed to the Honorary Staff, where, after being promoted to Colonel, he serves to this day.
Recognizing his meritorious service to our State, Colonel Gargano was awarded the Connecticut State Medal of Merit in 1986 by Governor William A. O’Neill.
The manner in which Colonel Gargano executes his responsibilities, his sense of high personal standards, joined with sound judgment and diplomacy reflects greatly upon himself, the Second Company, Governor’s Foot Guard, The State Militia, and The State of Connecticut.
