Rep. Gillen returns five recovered military medals to the family of late Garden City veteran Angelo Maggio

Garden City, New York – A Garden City family has received a meaningful connection to its military past after Congresswoman Laura Gillen helped recover five medals and decorations earned by a late family member during his service in the U.S. Army.

Gillen presented the awards to Nicholas Maggio and his family, returning the military honors that belonged to Nicholas’ grandfather, Private Angelo A. Maggio. The decorations recognize Angelo’s service, military proficiency and conduct during his time in the Army, including his duties in Germany after World War II.

For the Maggio family, the ceremony was about more than receiving a collection of military awards. It was an opportunity to preserve the memory of a grandfather whose life and example continue to shape the family.

“Our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. Their legacy deserves to be remembered,” said Rep. Gillen. “It is my privilege to reunite Nicholas Maggio and his family with his late grandfather’s prestigious medals and decorations, which he earned for his exceptional military service after World War II during the occupation of Germany. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has worn the uniform and served our nation. I’m honored to present these medals and work every day on behalf of our veterans and their families.”

Nicholas contacted Gillen’s office after seeking help in recovering his grandfather’s missing military honors. Staff members worked with him and helped guide the family through the process of dealing with the National Archives and Records Administration.

The effort eventually led to the recovery of five medals and decorations associated with Angelo Maggio’s military service. Each award represents a different aspect of his time in uniform, from his conduct as a soldier to his achievements in weapons qualification.

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Nicholas said the return of the medals carried deep personal meaning. He plans to keep them with other important family items and ensure they remain part of the family’s history.

“Receiving my grandfather’s medals is a meaningful way to honor his life, service, and memory,” said grandson of Angelo Maggio, Nicholas Maggio. “Our family will display them alongside his flag and pass them down to future generations. Two of his grandchildren, my sister Angelina and I, were named after him, and we are proud to carry on his name. I will always remember how he slept in a chair so I could be comfortable when I was afraid, and how he chased our school bus to wave goodbye. These memories reflect the loving, dependable, and devoted person he was. His wisdom, honesty, and strength continue to influence our family. We are deeply grateful to Laura Gillen’s office for helping us recover his medals, which we will treasure for generations to come.”

Angelo Maggio’s story began in Pietrapertosa, Italy, where he was born before immigrating to the United States. He entered military service in 1954 and served in the Army until 1956. Following his active-duty service, he spent another six years in the Army Reserve.

His life after the military was centered on work and family. In 1970, Angelo settled in Elmhurst, Queens, where he built his career and raised his family. Nearly three decades later, he moved to Garden City in 1998, becoming part of the community that would later be represented by Gillen in Congress.

Although the medals recognize his military record, Nicholas’ recollections offer a more personal picture of the man behind the awards. His memories of his grandfather sleeping in a chair to help him feel safe and running after a school bus to wave goodbye describe someone whose influence extended well beyond his years in the Army.

The five recovered honors include the Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded to soldiers who demonstrate exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity during a qualifying period of active service.

Another decoration, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, recognizes qualifying military duty in Germany during the postwar occupation following World War II. The award reflects the role of American service members who remained in Germany after the conflict had ended.

Angelo also received the National Defense Service Medal, which recognizes honorable active military service during a designated period of national emergency or armed conflict.

The remaining two awards highlight his skills with military weapons. The Expert Badge with Carbine Bar recognizes qualification at the Army’s highest marksmanship level with a carbine rifle. The Sharpshooter Badge with Pistol Bar recognizes qualification at the Army’s intermediate marksmanship level with a pistol.

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Together, the five decorations provide a record of Angelo’s service and achievements. For his family, however, their value goes beyond the military distinctions attached to them. They are physical reminders of a relative whose name, character and memories will continue to be passed down.

Gillen’s office said it remains committed to assisting residents of New York’s Fourth Congressional District who need help dealing with federal agencies. That assistance includes support with veterans’ benefits, replacing or obtaining lost military medals, Social Security matters, immigration cases, IRS issues and other federal concerns.

Residents who need help with a federal agency or military service records can contact Rep. Gillen’s office for assistance.