Pineapple Belts

Rosalie Cavett’s father, Edmund A. Buzzelli, Sr., started working at the BF Goodrich company in 1943 as an operator in the hand cutting department for miscellaneous rubber stocks. He hand cut rubber to be used for torsilastic springs in amphibious tanks, half tracks, and the ramp gates of landing barges during World War II. On April 3, 1945, Edmund received a letter of commendation from the Headquarters Army Service Forces for performing his duties, having a perfect attendance record, and congratulating him for his devotion to duty and patriotism during the war-time mission. Rosalie remembers growing up and seeing him come home from work very tired and falling asleep on his favorite chair, but always ready to be with his family at suppertime.