VA Bedford Healthcare System
Three time Purple Heart Recipient Awarded Honorary Degree
Three time Purple Heart Recipient surround by family, staff at the Bedford VA and representatives from Providence College celebrates honorary degree.
Ceremony held at the Bedford VAMC presents Veteran with Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree from Providence College
Bedford, MA – Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VAMC) resident and three time Purple Heart recipient, James Ferullo of Brighton, MA, who served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Science degree from Providence College in Rhode Island.
The ceremony took place at the Bedford VAMC. Mr. Ferullo joined by his daughters, Donna Ferullo and Maria Dutra, was surrounded by his family, friends and staff when presented with his honorary degree which was offered by Major Michael P. Manning, alumni of Providence College, and currently serving in the Rhode Island National Guard.
Mr. Ferullo, now 88 years old, had enrolled in the school’s Army Specialized Training Program in 1943. During the presentation, Major Manning shared that Mr. Ferullo “was called up to serve in Europe and never had the opportunity to graduate, instead he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, often referred to as our military’s finest hour.”
Returning Iraqi Veteran, Lt. Michael Kane, accompanied Major Manning to present the honorary degree. When Lt. Kane learned that Mr. Ferullo served in his unit, a part of the 328th infantry and the Yankee Division, he bent to one knee and removed his Yankee Division combat zone identification patch from his right shoulder which was earned from his service overseas, and presented it to Mr. Ferullo. There was a tearful acceptance for this honor which came with great sacrifice now shared with fellow Veteran.
Mr. Ferullo is among 380 fellow Veterans receiving honorary degrees from Providence College. Major Manning offered that, “it is never too late to say thank you.”
To find out more about Bedford VAMC, contact Kristin Pressly at 978-855-2321 or kristin.pressly@va.gov or visit http://www.bedford.va.gov/.
