Guerrino Joseph Prola, 96, of Blairsville, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Indiana Regional Medical Center. He was born January 7, 1919 in Homer City, PA to the late Joseph and Marguerite Prola. Joe attended Blairsville High School and enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1941 shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After training at various army camps, he was assigned as a combat medic to the 99th division, A Company and served his country for four years until his discharge in December 1945. He was involved with numerous engagements with the German forces, including one instance where he accompanied B Company on a patrol to capture a German soldier. His bravery and duty under difficult circumstances resulted in him being awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf cluster as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He served in the Battle of the Bulge, where he walked into enemy fire in order to save the life of another soldier. Because of his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star, the second highest military award a soldier can receive. During this same battle, he was struck by shrapnel yet continued to care for troops in the field and received the Purple Heart as a result of being wounded. In recent years, he received many honors for his military service, which included the True American Hero Award from John P. Murtha, U.S. Congressman, the Legion of Honor Medal awarded by the French Government, and he was inducted into Soldiers and Sailors Hall of Valor in 2014. Throughout his life, he remained active in sharing his stories with students, boy scouts and community members. He regularly attended the 99th Division reunions and was chosen to be a part of the PBS series, "World War II, In Their Own Words," which is now part of the Library of Congress. After returning home from the war, he started working at Torrance State Hospital. He went on to have a long career as a salesman where he began working at Walter Kidde and then moved on to McCullough Coffee. His sales career ended in 1999 when he retired at the age of 80. Joe was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church of Blairsville and served as a Deacon and Elder. He was a member of the Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and the Thursday afternoon poker club. He was involved with the Jaffa Temple Legion of Honor in Altoona, the Little Vets in Indiana and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was most proud of his association, with the Indiana County Ballroom Dance Club, where he was a charter member and proudly held the office of President. His love of dancing remained an important part of his life and he continued to attend monthly dances. He is survived by three daughters, Kerry Dettorre (Nick) of Export, PA; Joni McCrady (Gary) of Mt. Joy, PA; Dana Thompson (Bill) of Indiana, PA. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Eric McCrady (Karen) Mt. Joy, PA; Jordyn McCrady Marietta, PA; Nicholas Dettorre Export, PA; Kelsey Thompson Indiana, PA; Sean Thompson Indiana, PA; one great-grandchild, Kirk McCrady, Mt. Joy, PA. Also a special friend, Ginny Welteroth from Shelocta, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Victor and Chester, one sister, Frances and his wife, Evelyn, whom he was married to for 57 years. Visitation will be held from 2 to 9 pm on Monday, January 26, 2015, at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. A memorial service will be held at the United Presbyterian Church, Blairsville, PA at 11 am, Tuesday January 27, 2015 with Rev. Timothy R. Monroe officiating Masonic Service will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 7:00 pm. Military services will be accorded by the Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and American Legion Post #0407.
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