Rocci Martini

Rocci Martini had a unique role in the Coast Artillery, as both a violinist and a machine gunner. Here he's dressed for the frigid winter weather in a heavy-duty parka.

Courtesy of Rocci Martini

Rocci J. Martini finished basic training at Ft. Wheeler, Georgia and was sent to Umnak Island in 1943. He was a unique combination of machine gunner and violinist assigned to the 310th Coast Artillery, Company B, 3rd Battalion. He played for troops in Alaska and other places in the United States while serving and received a recommendation for special service work to allow him to continue to play, and in 1942 received a special thanks from the USO for his performance.