In a scene that parents would call a nightmare, an incredible eight family members fought during World War II.
The Fedele family was named to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2012. (Image via New York Senate)
In a scene that parents would call a nightmare, an incredible eight family members fought during World War II. Today, there are laws in place (and fewer families with so many siblings to enlist), but back in the 1940s, there were no such qualms. In the case of the Fedele family, eight of the 11 sons would see battle. The offspring of Philip and Angelina headed to the frontlines one by one. Remarkably, every one of them returned home alive.
Even at the time, the brothers’ service made newspaper headlines for beating such incredible odds. They also printed that it was likely the most members of a single family to serve in a war. (Surprisingly, there are at least two other instances of eight brothers fighting in one war.)
Who were the brothers who served in WW2?
First, Anthony Fedele enlisted in the Marines in 1939. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the infamous bombing, but survived the attack.
Soon after, his seven brothers also joined the service. Interestingly, Anthony falls in the middle of the lineup; his actions convinced his older and younger brothers alike to join the cause.
Oldest to youngest, they were: Joseph (33), Frank (29), Nunzio (24), Vincent (22), Anthony (21), Patrick (18), Generino (Gerald) (16), Salvatore (15). (Ages as of 1941.)
As for the remaining three brothers, the two eldest, William and Michael, received deferments, as they worked in defense plants. While Victor, the youngest, was too young at the time. He later served during the Korean War. Brothers Anthony and Sam were also still active at this time.