By Peter Roos
Sgt. Maj. August “Augie” G. D’Alessio was born in New York and raised in the Bronx. A Marine in the World War at 17, he became a pastry chef in his father’s bakery, and later worked as an officer of the court for a career. Auggie was well over 80 years old and living in Vina Del Mar when he first expressed the idea for a Medal of Honor Memorial in St. Pete Beach.
Immediately prior to his accidental death at the age of 86, in the fall of 2013, he was working on designing and seeking funding for a Medal of Honor Freedom Fountain to honor the Florida men and woman who received this great award throughout military history.
Auggie was a much beloved member of the Veterans of South Pinellas County, and fellow members Harry Metz, Brooks Cavender and Wayne MacDowell have continued working on what Auggie started. Wayne MacDowell said, “he was like everyone’s favorite uncle.” April 2024 Harry Metz also passed, but progress continues.
There is a design for the memorial, a $130,000 grant from the State of Florida and a prospective location. It has taken more than a decade to get this far, but Wayne and Brooks hope and expect the St. Pete Beach City Commission to review and approve the location, just west of the berm on the east end of Ron McKenny Park near the northern entrance to St. Pete Beach. The term of the grant has been extended to May, 2026, but as time passes some of the materials are becoming costlier, and additional funds may be needed. “We are looking at alternatives for raising additional funds, if needed, to complete this worthwhile project,” said Wayne MacDowell recently.
For more info, email The Veterans of South Pinellas County at VSPCBrooks@brookslink.com.