Rear Admiral completes 101 years

(To Marina Militare)
08/02/19

Sabino Laudadio, rear admiral in reserve, reached the enviable milestone of celebrating his "22st" birthday on 101 January. Born in Mola di Bari on 22 January 1918, Laudadio enlisted in the Regia Marina in 1938 and had the submarine as his first destination Dandolo, based in Naples. During the world war he took part in numerous war missions aboard various units, including the tugboat Vieste and the torpedo boats Pegaso ed Artemide, always distinguishing himself for his technical expertise, courage and self-denial, qualities that earned him the award of three crosses to military valor. In the meantime he had moved his residence from his native Puglia to Campania, choosing to live in Meta di Sorrento where he met, before the war began, Mrs. Franca Massa, who became wife and mother of their four children in 1946.

After the war, Laudadio continued to serve in the Armed Force for 40 years. A life dedicated to "honor and love for the Navy" that the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Valter Girardelli, wanted to remember by giving him a crest with a dedication. The bearer of the tribute was the young ensign Cesare Gratti who went to the home of Rear Admiral Laudadio, in Meta di Sorrento, now elected as his adopted city, on his 101st birthday.