GENESEO, N.Y. - A promotion ceremony here Saturday featured a 93-year old World War II veteran of the New York Army National Guard's 108th Infantry Regiment. Retired New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Joseph McManus of Irondequoit presided at the promotion of 11 members of Company A, 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo. McManus holds two Bronze Stars for Valor.
Prior to the ceremony, 80 members of Company A, 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry marched in full field gear (without weapons) the three miles from their base at the Geneseo Armory to the Museum.
McManus joined the New York Army National Guard in February of 1938 and was mobilized with the Guard’s 27th Division in 1940 to serve as an officer in the 84th Infantry Division in Europe in World War II.
The state Guard tells WXXI that during his service McManus was awarded two Bronze Star Medals with V for valor, Device the European-Middle Eastern-African Campaign Medal with three battle stars, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the American Defense Medal, the Occupation Medal-Germany and the World War II Victory Medal. He also earned the right to wear the Combat Infantryman's Badge, which is awarded to Infantry Soldiers who serve in combat.
After World War II, McManus rejoined the New York Army National Guard in Rochester and served in leadership and command positions with the 898th, 127th, and 106th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalions, as well as the 270th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.
In civilian life he worked for the General Railway Signal Company, retiring as vice president of human resources.
Soldiers promoted on Saturday are:
• Sgt. Stephen Kim of Harrison, New York, to staff sergeant;
• Spc. Nathan Berry of Alden, New York, to sergeant;
• Spc. Brandon McGregor, Brandon of Hornell, New York, to sergeant;
• Spc. Joseph Liotino of Elmira, New York, to sergeant;
• Spc. Ryan Dibble of Rochester, New York, to sergeant;
• Pvt. Darren Lofton from Rochester, New York, to private first class;
• Pvt. Drew Lord, of Wayland, New York, to private first class;
• Pvt. Jonathan Beaudin, of Niagara Falls, New York, to private first class;
• Pvt. Nelson Ortiz from Rochester, New York, to private first class;
• Pvt. Jose Grullon of Cheektowaga, New York, to private first class;
• And Pvt. William Sotorivera of Rochester, New York, to private.