This post is contributed by Matthew Baldwin McCoy, State Coordinator for the Rhode Island World War One Centennial Commission
The centennial of America’s participation in World War One provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon the contributions to our country made by immigrants from other nations. One such example is that of Private Bernardo Cardines, an immigrant from Venafro, Campobosso (Isernia), Molise, Italy, who emigrated alone to America in 1909 at the age of fourteen years old. He would later give his life in the service of our country.
When American entered the Great War on April 6, 1917, Bernardo Cardines was employed as a tailor in Newport, Rhode Island. Like other men between the ages of 21 and 31, he registered for the Selective Service on June 5, 1917. He was drafted and inducted into the newly formed National Army.
Private Cardines was assigned to Company M, 310th Infantry Regiment, 155th Infantry Brigade, 78th Division (National Army) at Camp Dix, Wrightstown, Burlington County, New Jersey, for training with other inductees. On May 20, 1918, he and his fellow soldiers boarded the S.S. Northland at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to make the journey to France. The troopship arrived safely in Folkstone, England, on June 5, 1918. After spending a few days at a rest camp in England, he and his fellow soldiers of the 78th Division (National Army) arrived in Calais, France, to join the American Expeditionary Forces led by General John J. Pershing.
Private Cardines’ division participated in the St. Mihiel offensive from September 12 – 16, 1918. After that operation, the 78th Division assumed the responsibility for a defensive area known as the Limey Sector. Private Cardines was one of thirty-one soldiers initially listed as missing in action on September 22, 1918, after they had conducted a raid on a German held position near Thiaucourt. It was later determined by the American Expeditionary Forces that he had been killed in action during the raid.
Private Cardines’ remains were eventually found and initially buried in France. At his father’s request, they were later moved to a cemetery in his home town of Venafro. He rests there today, a hero who made the supreme sacrifice for the United States.
On September 20, 1936, the City of Newport, Rhode Island, renamed Basin Field in honor of Private Bernardo Cardines. The baseball field is one of the oldest baseball fields in the United States. On September 29, 2017, the Rhode Island World War One Centennial Commission will re-dedicate Cardines Field as part of its commemorative events related to the on-going World War One centennial. The re-dedication is an important reminder of the service and sacrifice that immigrants are willing to make to become Americans.
For more information about the re-dedication ceremony, please contact Matthew McCoy at riww1cc@gmail.com.
Images courtesy of Matthew McCoy