Joseph Vaccaro
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Bio
Joseph Vaccaro was born on September 5, 1931, and grew up in the Bronx, graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1949. Answering the call of duty, Joseph served honorably in the US Army after being drafted. He was deployed to Masan, Korea, where he provided steadfast support as a cook, drawing rations for a company of nearly 400 soldiers and officers. His crucial work ensured that those on the frontlines were supplied with food, ammunition, and fuel, as Masan served as a vital hub for supporting the troops fighting in northern Korea. Joseph’s commitment and reliability were instrumental to his unit’s success.
Upon returning home after his honorable service, Joseph continued to serve his community with the same dedication he showed in the Army. He worked in Vaccaro’s Bakery on White Plains Road and 225th Street, eventually taking over the family business from his father in the early 1960s. In 1972, Joseph’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the Briarcliff Bakeshop, which he owned and operated until 1992. Through his hard work and integrity, Joseph became a respected figure in his community.
On February 27, 1957, Joseph married Elizabeth, the love of his life. Together, they raised two sons and one daughter in Hastings-on-Hudson, a community they cherished. Joseph and Elizabeth became pillars of the Hastings community, actively supporting local events and fostering a spirit of togetherness. Their unwavering devotion to their children was evident as all three played key roles in Hastings High School’s athletics programs. Joseph and Elizabeth dedicated much of their free time to uplifting their family and friends, always leading by example.
Joseph passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy defined by honor, service, and love. He took great pride in his contributions to his country and his community, but above all, he cherished his children and grandchildren, who carry forward his values and spirit.
Photos
Vaccaro in Korea
The following submission is Joseph Vaccaro's reflection on his service:
The following 194 black and white pictures in this album pretty much depict my experiences in Korea.
It amazes me how young we were and the great responsibilities we were expected to take on. We were doing a very important job though I always tried to keep things on the lighter side mainly for the home front. I was very worried about my mother worrying about me.
My job was drawing the rations for our company every day. The amount was based on the head count the day before. Our company consisted of close to 400 men and officers. Their job was the supervising of the unloading of all ships that came into Masan. Mainly the cargo was ammunition, fuel, food and anything needed up at the front which was about 100 miles to the north of us.
Some of the ships had return loads, mostly spent brass. Artillery, machine gun mortars, and rifle empty shells were collected, sent down to us, then onto the ships and back to Japan. Once in a while replacements would come through Masan on LSTs. They would come right up on the beach, drop the plank, and unload the troops. It was then our responsibility to feed them one meal and send them on their way. We were always able to have extra food on hand for just such an emergency. It wasn’t very much or very fancy but we managed to fill them up. It could be spaghetti to bologna sandwiches, soup to bacon and eggs. Most of these troops were new, just out of basic back in the states. They looked scared and I would be too. If I were going where they were going.
What impressed me were their weapons. They had everything with them, from rifles to BARs, to mortars, to light and heavy machine guns. I guess when they got off the trucks at the line, they went right to work. Thank God it was over on July 27th 1953.
Our mess hall was pretty new, probably finished just before I arrived. The war had gone through Masan four times. Our town was an anchor in the Pusan perimeter. Our company was there and that’s where we earned two battle stars on our Korean campaign ribbon. Anybody in the outfit has the right to wear them.
Our mess hall became our NCO club at night and being there wasn’t a hell of a lot to do so we spent most of our off duty there. We worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nobody minded if you thought about the alternative.
We were reminded that we were in the army once every couple of days when we had the changing of the guard. The guards did their work mostly down at the docks and when they weren’t guarding they were supervising Korean workers. To come to think of it we did the same. Look at all the Koreans we had working in the mess hall and the huts.
Our trip to Japan was great. The guys I was with were my best friends while I was in Korea. When we came home we never saw each other again. My greatest accomplishment while in Japan, was the buying of hand painted dishes for my mother. I eventually got them and I treasure them. The pictures speak for themselves. I didn’t take too many on the ship home, a journey of 17 days and very rough. The welcome we received in Seattle was a lifetime high.
The flight, on a DC 3, took 11 hours with stops in Fargo ND, Chicago, and then on Newark. Camp Kilmer was my final Repo Depo. It took about a week and I was a civilian again. I was very fortunate to be assigned to a safe area, but none of us had a choice. You’re drafted and let the chips fall where they may.
Vaccaro
