John B. Sozzio papers

Collection — Container: 10.0058-Box 1

Identifier: 10.0058

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection relates to Technical Sergeant John B. Sozzio who served with the Transportation Corps, 9th Traffic Regulation Group, in the European Theater during World War II. Sozzio was awarded the Bronze Star medal for his actions during the Ardennes offensive in December 1944 through January 1945. The collection includes a handwritten daily railway log of activities that was maintained by Sozzio, memoirs, photographs, handwritten notes, and military-related documents.

Dates

Created: 1944-2002
Other: Majority of material found within 1944-1945

Creator

Sozzio, John B., 1920-2017 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to quote, publish, broadcast or otherwise reproduce from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Special Collections & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Florida State University Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

John B. Sozzio was born in Lyndhurst, NJ. on May 27, 1920. On September 4, 1942, he entered service in the U.S. Army, ultimately attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. Sozzio participated in four European Theater campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes. After being inducted, Sozzio was sent to Ft. Dix, NJ for in-processing. He next was sent to Camp Crowder, MO for basic training, and continued to remain at Camp Crowder with the 800th Signal Training Regiment. Volunteering for the Transportation Corps, Sozzio was transferred to Camp Plauche, LA in February 1944 and assigned to the 9th Traffic Regulation Group. The 9th deployed to Europe in April 1944.

As Chief Clerk of the railroad depot in Arlon, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge, Sozzio was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for overseeing the quick repair of the German aerial bombed rail tracks. These repairs facilitated the Army's ability to the move needed supplies to the First and Third Armies.

Sozzio graduated from Lyndhurst High School in New Jersey, Drake Business College and the Academy of Advanced Traffic, NJ and served as a traffic manager for thirty-nine years. He moved with his wife, Dorothy, to Palm City in 1992. Sozzio passed away on July 30, 2017 in Palm City, FL.

SOURCES: "John B. Sozzio." Find A Grave. Accessed May 31, 2018. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/112843774/john-b-sozzio. "John B. Sozzio Obituary."

Extent

1.00 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

Transferred from the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience to FSU Libraries Special Collections & Archives in July 2022.

Source of Acquisition

John B. Sozzio

Method of Acquisition

Donation

Accruals and Additions

Additional materials donated include original log journal book, Bronze Star medal documentation, and photographs received on May 24, 2018 from the daughter of John B. Sozzio, Joanne Merrell.