Should City of Central Honor Sgt. Homer Wise?

Should City of Central Honor Sgt. Homer Wise?

CENTRAL — During combat in Magliano, Italy, on June 14, 1944 during World War II, Central native Homer Wise performed a series of heroic feats which have seldom been matched in the history of the United States.

For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, “the highest military award for bravery that can be awarded by the United States of America.”  He is one of only 464 who have received this honor.

Homer was the oldest of five children of William Tony Wise and Edna Stephens Wise of Central.  Born in 1917, he left home during the Depression at age 14 to help support the family.  He joined the Army in Baton Rouge in 1941.

After the war, Homer married Madolyn DiSesa, and they lived in Stamford, Conn.  In 1947, Homer reenlisted in the Army and served until 1966, retiring during the Vietnam War.  He was one of six honorary pallbearers when the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery in 1958.

Several years ago, James Vlasto began a foundation to honor Homer Wise and a fundraising campaign to commission a bronze statue in his honor.  Later this year, the statue, which has been completed by sculptor Janice Mauro of Redding, Conn., will be dedicated and placed on permanent display in Stamford, Conn.

In an interview with the Central City News, Janice Mauro said she is willing to sculpt another statue of Homer Wise, if it would be put on display at an appropriate place in his hometown of Central, LA.

The cost of the entire project could be as much as $75,000 to $100,000.

In order to undertake such a project, a donor would have to step forward to fund the expenses or some individual or organization would have to take responsibility for the project.

If you are interested, contact Woody Jenkins, Central City News, at 225-921-1433.

 

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