Posted on: April 06, 2026 04:50 PM

Share : Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp

Fresh Meadows remembers Horace Carattelli

World War II veteran Horace Carattelli of Fresh Meadows passed away on March 23 at the age of 107 known for Armored Division Association that still active today.

This is from the press statement -

Mr. Carratelli was born Jan. 27, 1919, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. After training at Fort Dix and in Louisville, KY, Carattelli was assigned to the 1st Armored Division's 123rd Armored Ordnance Battalion. From there, his unit moved overseas to Ireland and England, and by November 1942, they were in North Africa as part of Operation Torch.

The 1st Armored Division made history as the first American armored division to enter combat in World War II. Fighting across Algeria and Tunisia, they faced off against German and Italian forces led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.

The campaign reached a turning point at Kasserine Pass (Feb. 19–24, 1943)—the first major clash between U.S. forces and the European Axis.

Carratelli’s service continued in Italy, where he took part in the amphibious assault at Anzio in January 1944 and the eventual liberation of Rome. Over the course of the war, he rose to the rank of first sergeant before being reassigned to an intelligence role in Milan—working alongside a joint FBI team to track down the remaining members of Italy’s Fascist leadership.

After the war, he returned home in 1945 and began the next chapter of his life, working in his father’s factory in New York City’s Garment District.

Carratelli married Loretta Gatti in 1948, and the couple settled in Fresh Meadows, Queens, where they lived for more than 70 years. Loretta passed away in 1991.

Carratelli helped establish the 1st Armored Division Association, serving as both its national secretary and president.

Rest in Peace, Sir! We thank you for your service!