NJ high school surprises WWII veteran with diploma 73 years later

EAST RUTHERFORD — It really is never too late. Vito Trause, a 92-year-old World War II veteran, was awarded the diploma he would have earned 73 years ago had he not dropped out to join the Army.

In an effort dubbed Operation Vito, the Washington Township resident was presented Wednesday with his “East Rutherford High School” diploma — that was the school's name during Trause’s time — by the Becton Regional High School Class of 2018, escorted by active-duty commanders and sergeants from the U.S. military.

It was 75 years ago when Trause withdrew from East Rutherford High School, now Becton Regional. According to his Nov. 30, 1943, report card, his reason for withdrawal was “Army.”

Wearing a custom graduating sash and his medals, Trause was presented with his diploma by his daughters, Tory and Sydney, to a standing ovation and a chant of “USA.”

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“This young man spent the end of his junior year on the front lines of World War II as part of the U.S. Army infantry,” said Principal Dario Sforza. “What would have been his senior year wasn’t so pleasant. Instead of English class, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war under horrible and horrific conditions. He was eventually liberated, returned to Carlstadt, married Terry from East Rutherford, and had two beautiful children.”

COLUMN:Vito Trause a patriot, hero and Westwood fan

Trause forged a connection with the Becton Class of 2018 when he came to speak to the seniors on June 11, after a chance encounter at the Washington Township Memorial Day parade connected Sforza with his family.

Trause joked that he didn’t have “much time left, so it’s good to graduate now.”

Some of Trause’s fondest memories of high school were playing football.

“I did a lot of sports in high school. ... In the last game I played, against Lyndhurst, I scored a touchdown. I played on the Saturday; by Thursday, I was in the service,” Trause said.

During his service, Trause earned the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, according to discharge records.

His words of wisdom for the rest of the Class of 2018?

“Never forget what Memorial Day is about,” Trause said.

Dylan Cortiana and Anthony Ranne, who graduated Wednesday, will begin their Army training in a few short weeks.

Listening to Trause speak at Becton earlier this month, Ranne reflected on the decision he made just one week earlier to join the Army.

“He was at his lowest point and he didn’t give up,” Ranne said. “He gave up his education to fight for his country. It really inspired me to move forward with what I decided.”

Coming from a family with members in various branches of service and police officers, Ranne wants to go into signal systems support while in the Army, working with satellites and other crucial technology.

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