The Battle of Normandy is known as the “largest seaborne invasion in history.”

Anthony J. Coccia, born in Phoenixville on July 26, 1917, landed in Normandy while serving with the 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, on the second day of the battle and continued fighting the next 39 days. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Coccia passed away on May 10, 2012, in Hodgenville, K.Y.

Anthony was the son of Emilio Coccia (born in Rotella, Italy) and Maria Cutillo Coccia (born in Casolla, Italy). The family moved to Columbus, Ohio, in 1923. His mother, Maria, died in 1940 and was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Phoenixville.