Nearly 80 years after his service in World War II, Seaman First Class Ferdinand “Bull” Viveiros was posthumously recognized for his bravery and dedication. U.S. Senator Jack Reed presented his family with military medals during a ceremony honoring the late veteran’s contributions to America’s fight for freedom.
Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Viveiros’ children and grandchildren to celebrate the legacy of the Bristol native and formally deliver four medals for his exemplary military service.
“We are grateful to Mr. Viveiros and his fellow servicemembers for their courage and dedication,” said Senator Reed. “It is a privilege to recognize and honor their service and thank their families.”
Viveiros’ daughter, Sharon Alves, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition. “These military honors are long overdue, and I honestly think my dad can rest in peace now,” she said, joined by her husband Peter and son PJ.
Born in Bristol, Viveiros enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 at just 17. He served as a gunner aboard the USS Cassia County, an amphibious landing ship that landed on Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion. His three-year naval career also included service aboard the USS Fall River and the USS Wyandot.
After the war, Viveiros settled in Fall River, Mass., raised three children with his wife Mary, and worked over 40 years in shipping. He remained active in veterans’ organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5392 in Tiverton, where he served as a past commander.
Until his death in 2017 at age 91, Viveiros dedicated his time to helping fellow veterans through groups like the Disabled American Veterans and the LST Association.
At the ceremony, his family received:
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Service Star
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World War II Victory Medal
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Honorable Discharge Button
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Honorable Service Lapel Pin (“Ruptured Duck”)
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, over 16 million Americans served during WWII.
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