Rep. Israel Presents Purple Heart to Widow of James Oresto

On May 31, Congressman Steve Israel held a ceremony at the Sayville VFW hall to present Holbrook resident Beatrice Oresto with four military medals, including a Purple Heart, that her husband James Oresto, who served in the United States Army during the Korean War, earned but never received.

“For more than three years, James Oresto was held prisoner by communist forces in North Korea. And for decades, his sacrifices were unrecognized by the United Stated Military,” said Israel, “Today, we’re finally correcting that wrong. I’m honored to present James’ wife Beatrice with the honors he should have received long ago.

Private First Class James Oresto served in the United Stated Army 19th Infantry Regiment of the 24th Division in Korea and was captured by the North Korean Forces on July 16, 1950. Oresto spent more than three years as a prisoner of war at the hands of North Korean forces. During this time, Oresto and other Americans withstood numerous beatings. Oresto was released from captivity on August 28, 1953.

Oresto’s military record was incomplete and didn’t recognize the injuries he sustained and time he spent as a POW. Israel’s office worked to correct his record to reflect his sacrifices, which earned him the Purple Heart Medal, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

Four generations of the Oresto Family were present at the ceremony to honor James Oresto and receive his medals.