Anthony ‘Tony’ Delaurentis: Mom vs Lieutenant Colonel

By Al Rodriguez, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

Anthony ‘Tony’ Delaurentis was born and raised in the Village of Lansing. Tony was the third born out of four boys and his parents had their hands full raising them. Family has always been important in his life and he’s been guided by the family values taught by his Italian parents, especially to respect everyone. He exhibits a strong duty to his family and his community. 

Tony went to Thornton Fractional South High School (T.F. South) in Lansing. Along with acquiring his high school diploma, he met his future wife, Antoinette ‘Toni’ Demanuele. With their lockers assigned by last names, they found themselves right next to each other. He thought she was cute but didn’t ask her out until senior prom. They must have had more than similar last names in common because they are still together.

Tony had two older brothers who served in the Army, the oldest brother Andrew served in Germany. His brother Nick served at Fort Carson Colorado and was in the Army when Tony enlisted in October of 1966. Tony was sent to Basic Training at Fort Campbell Kentucky. Then he went to Fort Dix, New Jersey for A.I.T. (Advanced Individual Training) to learn how to drive a truck. After finishing his Advanced Training, the Army needed ambulance drivers so he was sent to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He remembers making many trips to Walter Reed Hospital to pick up blood.  

The Army’s needs changed and they sent him to Vietnam in October of 1967 as a tank driver, 1st Cavalry Division, 4th Battalion, 60th artillery, Battery C. His first fire base was Bon Song. Tony remembers as he and a lieutenant were being transported by jeep to Bon Song, it was under attack. The lieutenant told him to lock and load. He thought, ‘what am I getting into?’ Tony tells the story about walking into the Tank Division Sergeant Nunez’s ‘hooch’ to report in. He was greeted with “Get the F— out of my hooch! Don’t come in unless you knock.” The hooch was made of sand bags so he did his best to knock. Sergeant Nunez was on his 3rd tour in Vietnam and Tony took his advice to heart, “Do what I tell you and you’ll go home.” 

His main duty was protecting the L.Z. ‘s (landing zones) on the fire base.  His 12 hour shift saw Tony sitting in his tank, in the heat or monsoon rain, guarding the base perimeter of ‘unfriendlies.’ His tank crew fired rounds to support the troops in the field. His tank would also deploy outside of the perimeter to protect the minesweepers. In Vietnam his artillery group was always on the move. They were sent from Bon Song to LZ English. They were then assigned to Bien Hoa with his last assignment to Nha Trang.

His memories include the great Army chow, runny powdered eggs and SPAM. He got malaria and was in the hospital for three weeks. Luckily he did not have any long lasting effects. A good memory is of the monthly steaks and beer the First Sergeant would furnish the men. His best memory was of the support he got from his family and his future wife with letters and care packages. His wife told me that she wrote to him every day while he was there. I saw a bundle of letters that his wife kept that he wrote to her.

Tony has a very unique story about the end of his Army career. Tony’s brother, Nick was getting married before Tony would be discharged from the Army and his mother Sylvia wanted him to attend the ceremony. Tony wasn’t scheduled to leave Vietnam and be discharged until October and would miss the wedding. So Tony’s Mom wrote a letter to a radio program, Don McNeil’s Breakfast Club, Chicago American Action Line asking for his help to get him home. Her letter via the Red Cross was forwarded to the 60th Artillery commanding officer in Vietnam. Surprisingly, her request was granted. Even the Army knows not to mess with a mom! On September 13th, weeks before he was scheduled to be discharged, Tony was told to pack his gear because he was leaving for home. He flew out the next day bumping a lieutenant off the flight. In Oakland, he was discharged and flew to Chicago in time for the wedding. 

One of the first things Tony did when he got back was to buy a 1969 Ford Cobra, with cash! He loves cars and even raced at the U.S. 30 Speedway. He also found a job at the Nalco Chemical Company and stayed there for 30 years. Tony and Toni married on August 7, 1971. They are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. They have three daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Tony put his life and health in jeopardy for the service of his country. His service time has caused him war related health issues that have been addressed by the V.A., albeit late in life. That hasn’t stopped him from having a full life – working, raising a family, racing cars and being active with the Village of Lansing. For the last 35 years, he has held various village positions. Currently he is a member of the Lansing Historical Society, serving as President for nine years. He is also a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, for the second time. He jokes “every time I think I’m out they bring me back in.”  As busy as he is with the Village of Lansing, he finds time to volunteer as an usher for masses and funerals at St. Ann’s Church. 

Tony has never been to Washington D.C and is looking forward to seeing the memorials. 

Tony, your country thanks you for your service! Enjoy your day of honor!