96-Year Old Veteran Saluted at Special Medal Ceremony

SMITHFIELD, RI –Nearly 79 years after Seaman Second Class Carmine J. Lombardi joined the U.S. Navy, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined Mr. Lombardi and his family to salute the 96-year old’s military service and present him with medals he earned at the end of World War II.
A New Jersey-native who moved to Providence at a young age, Carmine Lombardi received military training at theU.S. Naval Training Center (USNTC) Bainbridgein Maryland before joining the crew of theUSS Little Rock, a 12,000 ton Cleveland-class cruiser that was commissioned on June 17, 1945.
Serving in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Lombardi and his shipmates sailed throughout much of the Atlantic Ocean, performing exercises along the East Coast and Caribbean before shipping out to support the war-torn nations of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.
As hostilities ceased, Mr. Lombardi was one of many U.S. servicemembers who continued to stand posts around the globe in challenging conditions, following the most widespread war in history which claimed the lives of more than 50 million people.
“We will forever be grateful for the service and sacrifice of men like Carmine Lombardi, who, at a young age, embarked on an incredible voyage.  He admirably did his part as he and his shipmates deployed half way around the world at a time of great turmoil and transition.  He and his fellow servicemembers stood posts for freedom and contributed to successful missions around the globe. It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Lombardi’s outstanding service and thank him for a job well done,” saidSenator Reed.

After receiving a medical discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1947, Mr. Lombardi returned home and began working in Providence’s growing jewelry industry. Shortly thereafter, he followed the advice of family friends and agreed to go on a blind date with Adelaide Vallante. The pairing took and the two were married for nearly seven decades before Mrs. Lombardi’s passing in July 2022.
Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi raised two children – a daughter, Sandra, and son, Glen – and were proud grandparents and great-grandparents. The couple worked together in the jewelry industry, eventually opening their own business, Adjo Soldering, designing and manufacturing jewelry and accessories and supporting other local Providence jewelers.
During the ceremony, Mr. Lombardi received four military honors for exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity that he earned while serving in the U.S. Navy, including:
President Harry S. Truman officially announced thecessation of hostilities of World War IIon December 31, 1946.