Johnston WWII Veteran Honored by Senator, Mayor

On Friday, U.S. Sheldon Whitehouse awarded Senate certificates of recognition to 96-year-old Francis Norman Saran in honor of his service in the Army during World War II. Whitehouse presented Saran with the certificates on behalf of himself and his colleague, Senator Jack Reed. Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena was also on hand to recognize Saran.

Francis Saran, a lifelong Rhode Island resident, joined the Army as a young man and spent four years in the 69th and 272nd Infantry Divisions. As a member of the 272nd – known as the “Battle Axe Regiment” – Saran helped the Allies on a series of successful engagements in Germany. After returning home to Rhode Island from his tour in Europe, Mr. Saran worked as a carpenter, owned a gas station, and later worked at the Johnston Public Works Department.

‎“As we pause to salute America’s veterans this week, it is an honor to meet a brave member of the Greatest Generation who put his life on the line for our country,” said Whitehouse. “On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, I thank Mr. Saran for his service.”

“We owe Mr. Saran and his fellow World War II veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice,” said Reed, a former Army Ranger and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.