It took six and a half decades for John Fusano, a resident of Sylmar, California, to return to the island of Saipan, where he had once served during World War II. Fusano, whose family once operated the Cristo Fusano and Sons olive canning factory and oil mill in the San Fernando Valley, fulfilled a long-held desire to revisit the island that held deep significance for him.
In an interview conducted at the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fusano recounted his journey. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to finally set foot on the island again, a wish that gained urgency after the passing of his wife in 2011. Accompanied by his son David, Fusano embarked on this poignant voyage of rediscovery.
Fusano also expressed appreciation for the presence of his nephew, Cliff Smith, a resident engineer on the island for over three years. Smith’s familiarity with Saipan proved invaluable in navigating the terrain and uncovering cherished memories.
Reflecting on his family’s history of service, Fusano shared that of the four brothers in his family, three had served in the military. He recounted his own wartime experiences, from his training days to his deployment on Saipan and later to Okinawa. Despite the passage of time, Fusano vividly recalled the battles that raged across the Pacific theater.
Recalling a particularly intense moment on Okinawa, Fusano described a harrowing encounter with enemy forces. Despite sustaining injuries, he persevered, a testament to his courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Fusano’s recollections also turned to his time in the field hospital on Saipan, where he received care from the dedicated medical staff. He expressed gratitude for their efforts, acknowledging the crucial role they played in his recovery.
As Fusano delved into memories of his family and values, he highlighted the industrious spirit and love of country instilled in him by his parents, Cristo and Rose. Their legacy of hard work and dedication continued to inspire him throughout his life.
On the topic of war and military service, Fusano offered poignant reflections. He described the horrors of war and the profound impact it had on him and his comrades. With tears welling up, he spoke of his pride in serving his country, tempered by the sobering reality of ongoing conflicts.
In offering advice to future generations, Fusano emphasized the importance of service and dedication to one’s country. He called upon young people to honor the legacy of volunteerism and sacrifice demonstrated by previous generations.
Fusano’s journey back to Saipan stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice, a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who have served their country.
“You owe it to your country to serve,” were his parting words.
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