PFC Dominic Surro

PFC Dominic Surro  was born 17 Jan 1919 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of Raffaelle and Congordio (Girella) Surra. The couple had immigrated from Ariano, Italy. His father worked in a shoe factory as a last maker and was successful enough to purchase a home at 203 Arthur Street, Framingham, Massachusetts. Dominic's father was naturalized in 1938, perhaps the events in Europe prompted his decision after more than 2 decades in the United States.

Dominic was drafted 13 Apr 1942 in Boston. Eventually assigned to A Company 116th Infantry Regiment he trained for the planned amphibious landing that was to be a part of the liberation of occupied France. PFC Surro was one of those landing on D-Day and was killed in action on 6 Jun 1944. Harold Baumgarten has said that Dominic made it to the seawall “without a scratch on him,” but was soon killed by a sniper's bullet.

We are certain that Dominic was repatriated re-interred with family in Framingham but have found no record.

We should note that Dominic is mentioned by name in books by Bob Slaughter and Harold Baumgarten who both describe him as a large man but his draft card says he was 5' 4" tall and weighed 132 pounds and his enlistment document confirms his height as 5' 2" and weight as 135 pounds. Bob Slaughter says he was in B Company but the morning reports have him in A Company.