WWII veteran from Downey gets city proclamation on 100th birthday

Councilman Alex Saab (left) and former mayor Mario Guerra (right) thanked Joseph Sapia for his service to our country.

DOWNEY — A World War II veteran from Downey received a special proclamation Monday in celebration of his 100th birthday. 

Joseph Sapia was visited by Councilman Alex Saab and former mayor Mario Guerra, who currently serves as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. Both thanked Sapia for his service to our country. 

Sapia, who has lived in Downey for more than 60 years, was part of the 20th Armored Division during World War II. The 20th Armored Division was one of the three Army divisions to take part in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. 

In April 1945, the 20th Division moved through Belgium and into Germany. Later that month, the 20th advanced in Bavaria, crossing the Danube River and capturing the city of Munich.

Sapia earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with Bronze Battle Star, American Defense Ribbon, American Campaign Medal along with a Good Conduct Medal. 

Saab and Guerra both expressed deep appreciation to Sapia for his dedicated and faithful service to our country.