Alaska Highway, Company H&S, B, C and E.
Born: 2 September 1910, Brooklyn, NY. Died: 26 January 1997, Tappan, Rockland, NY. Enlisted: April 1941.
He attended Boys High School in Brooklyn. He graduated in 1936 from New York University with a degree in civil engineering. He received his Army Reserve commission upon graduation from college.
Prior to active duty, he was a civil engineer with the Bureau of Valuation Research at Albany, NY. After his military service, he worked as a civil engineer with the state Public Service Commission of New York City. He retired in 1970 after 35 years.
First Lt. Raso was with H&S Company of the segregated 97th Engineer Regiment. They landed at Valdez, Alaska on 29 April 1942. Three feet of snow covered the ground. The 97th Engineers built the northern section of the Alaska Highway.
First Lt. Raso was with the H&S Company from April 1942 to June 1942. He was assigned to Company B as the Company Commander in July 1942 and promoted to Captain in September of 1942. He remained with Company B until January 1943 and then was assigned Company Commander of Company C until June of 1943. On July 1943 he was changed to Company E.
His parents were Frank and Maria Sorace Raso. He married Adele Cameron (1912-2005) on 4 February 1933. They have two sons, Paul C. and Mark C.
Serial #O-345866