Bill Text: VA SJR189 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Domenick D'Adamo, Jr.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 12-2)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-03 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ189ER) [SJR189 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SJR189-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Domenick D'Adamo, Jr., a heroic veteran and highly admired lifelong member of the Richmond community, celebrates his 100th birthday in 2020; and
WHEREAS, born in Richmond on October 12, 1920, Domenick D'Adamo was working as a dental technician at Richmond Dental Laboratory when the start of World War II compelled him to serve his country; and
WHEREAS, Domenick D'Adamo enlisted on March 17, 1942, and volunteered for the United States Army Air Corps, where he served as a bombardier on the B-24 bomber, "Tondelao," in the 389th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force, followed by service in B-17 bombers with the 482nd Bomb Group, a Pathfinder Group that used radar-equipped aircraft to support bombing missions; and
WHEREAS, Domenick D'Adamo completed 22 combat missions, including a mission to bomb the railyards north of Rome, where flak knocked out an engine and forced the crew to return to base on three engines; a mission to bomb the submarine pens at Vegesack, Germany, where flak shattered two panes of plexiglass, six inches from where he was positioned; and a difficult bombing raid on Berlin, where the amount of flak was enormous; and
WHEREAS, on August 1, 1943, Domenick D'Adamo participated in Operation Tidal Wave, the famous mission to bomb the oil fields in Ploesti, Romania, where he flew just 250 feet over the target; and
WHEREAS, upon his return to the United States, Domenick D'Adamo had received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with nine Battle Stars, and the Distinguished Unit Badge with one Oak Leaf Cluster; and
WHEREAS, after his heroic service, Domenick D'Adamo returned to civilian life and had a productive career as a dental technician well into his late 70s; and
WHEREAS, Domenick D'Adamo has been a strong supporter of education by sharing his wartime experiences with numerous students of the Commonwealth, including by participating in public events at the Virginia War Memorial; and
WHEREAS, as a former member of the Benedictine High School Corps of Cadets and graduate of the Class of 1937, he has been honored for his military service at Benedictine High School; and
WHEREAS, Domenick D'Adamo has been a devout parishioner of both Saint Benedict Catholic Church and Saint Bridget Catholic Church in Richmond; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, and his son, Stephen, Domenick D'Adamo relishes every opportunity to share his lifetime of wisdom with his daughters, Shirley Ann and Rosemary, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Domenick D'Adamo, Jr., an honored veteran and a cherished member of the Richmond community, on the occasion of his 100th birthday; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Domenick D'Adamo, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his legacy of service to the Commonwealth and the nation.