West Freemason in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Humbert R. Versace
Captain, U.S. Army
— Norfolk Trail of Honor —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
1. Humbert R. Versace Marker
Inscription.
Humbert R. Versace. Captain, U.S. Army. CPT Versace graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School and then attended West Point, graduating in 1959. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action while a prisoner of war from October 1963 to September 1965. CPT Versace assumed command of his fellow American prisoners and even while being kept locked in irons in an isolation box, he raised their morale by singing messages of popular songs of the day and leaving inspiring messages at the latrine. Despite his untreated wounds, he attempted to escape by dragging himself out of the camp through dense swamp. CPT Versace scorned the enemy’s exhaustive interrogation and indoctrination efforts and inspired other prisoners to resist. The last time any of his fellow prisoners heard from him, CPT Versace was singing “God Bless America” at the top of his voice from his isolation box. Unable to break his indomitable will, CPT Versace was executed by the Viet Cong.
CPT Versace graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School and then attended West Point, graduating in 1959. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action while a prisoner of war from October 1963 to September 1965. CPT Versace assumed command of his fellow American prisoners and even while being kept locked in irons in an isolation box, he raised their morale by singing messages of popular songs of the day and leaving inspiring messages at the latrine. Despite his untreated wounds, he attempted to escape by dragging himself out of the camp through dense swamp. CPT Versace scorned the enemy’s exhaustive interrogation and indoctrination efforts and inspired other prisoners to resist. The last time any of his fellow prisoners heard from him, CPT Versace was singing “God Bless America” at the top of his voice from his isolation box. Unable to break his indomitable will, CPT Versace was executed by the Viet Cong.
Erected 2015 by City of Norfolk.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 36° 50.936′ N, 76° 17.671′
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W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in West Freemason. Marker can be reached from Boush Street, 0.2 miles south of Brooke Avenue. Marker located just north of Wisconsin Square and south of the Pagoda and Oriental Garden. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . 1. Humbert Roque Versace. (Submitted on February 2, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.) 2. Norfolk Trail of Honor. (Submitted on February 2, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
2. Humbert R. Versace Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
