European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 4, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 6 the stars and Stripe saturday june 4,1994war stories Awe admirers in Italy by sue Palumbo Mediterranean Bureau Nettuno Italy he Shook hands with the president of the United states but that Wasny to what impressed army maj. Charles a. Deb Ney the most. A Quot it was these Guys and their stories that really got to me said Debney who is stationed at fort Carson Colo. Quot i wanted to know what my father went through. We listened to the veterans on the bus and at night. These Are True heroes. 1 realized my father is a hero  Debney. And son Karl were among several thousand veterans Active duty personnel and italian and american civilians who attended a memorial service Friday at the Sicily Rome american cemetery in Nett no. The ceremony honoured the thousands of americans who died in the italian Campaign that was highlighted by the fall of Rome 50 years ago today. The pair told president Clinton they were there on behalf of Deb Ney s 80-year-old father also Charles who was unable to make the trip. The elder Debney was a first sergeant in the 120th engr in in 1941, the younger Debney a military chaplain has been in the army for 22 years. Most of the 200-plus military personnel at the ceremony were from naval support activity Naples located about three hours South of the cemetery. Sailors marines airmen and soldiers took part in the Honor guard assisted with Security and acted As Ushers for guests. They spent several weeks preparing and practising for the ceremony despite a three hour bus ride that began around 2 ., the All Volunteer contingent was standing at the ready by 5  Quot we probably put in about 45 Man hours getting ready a said Petty officer 2nd class James a Poelman of Asa Security. Poelman checked Security passes and assisted with crowd control. He said controlling the enthusiastic crowd was less difficult than he had imagined. Senior chief Petty officer James Bishop will forever remember the Day he Quot got up close and personal with one of the most powerful men in the  Bishop assisted Clinton in laying the ceremonial wreaths amps Michael Abms president Clinton shakes hands with world War ii Veteran John Shirleyi who introduced him at the of Sicily Rome american cemetery in Nettuno Italy on Friday. And later escorted him through the crowds. Although the Days focus was on the world War ii veterans Clinton made sure he also Shook the hand of each military person within reach. A few Brave sailors asked him for his autograph and posed for a photograph with him. He May not have gotten to shake the presidents hand but Petty officer 1st class Robert Knox was not disappointed. Knox spent most of his Day helping the veterans to their seats and pushing retired army maj. Rhoads Mustain an amputee in his wheelchair. The two became fast friends As Mustain tried to get Knox promoted on the spot. Quot this whole Day has been absolutely astounding a Knox said. Quot a lot of us can to fathom the incredible sacrifice these people made. I done to even see myself being Able to do the kinds of to figs they did or the situations they lived through. Its a real humbling experience. $4s Michael Abrami Quot one thing we re All glad about is first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton talks with veterans and their wives at a re that they Are finally being honoured caption following a ceremony Friday marking the All or Rome and honouring the Way they should  the dead at the Siuy Rome american cemetery Italy from Page 1 Adaniel Inouye Hawaii Clairborne Pell Rhode Island each a Young american who came of age Here. Each an american Patriot who went Home to build up our nation. We Honor what they have Given America and the United states Senate As we Honor what they did for us Here a Clinton told the gathering which included the four senators. Saluting the veterans of the italian Campaign Clinton reminded the crowd that Quot we Are the sons and daughters of the world they saved. Now our moment of common cause has come and it is up to us to ensure a world of ice and Prosperity for yet another generation. More than 450 veterans of the italian Campaign attended the memorial ceremony at Nett no 30 Miles South of Rome. The vets who have been touring their old Bat a to grounds for the last week or so Are accompanied by nearly 500 family members. Following the ceremony Clinton with his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of state Warren Christopher toured reception tents set up for the vets and their relatives. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed and there was More than ample Opportunity for handshakes Short conversations plus picture and autograph sessions. Norman l. Myhra who lost both arms in Battle posed with his right artificial hand around Hillary Clinton s Waist. Quot she thanked us for coming Back her and we talked about the presidents plans for medical care a said the 75-year-old Myhra a 3rd inf div Veteran who lost his limbs to a Booby trap near Nice France. Quot Many of the vets like Scotty Wells 70, reported that their group has Strong feelings for Clinton despite his Lack of military service. Quot he Clinton is our commander in chief a Wells said. Quot we need to Honor the  Nettuno is special for Wells. He has an Uncle a brother in Law and Many old comrades buried there. A a in be wept a lot of tears Over this place a said Weils noting that his outfit in the 45th inf div suffered 80 percent killed in nearby Battles. Clinton also stopped to Chat with Juan Toledo 72, an american Indian Veteran from Jemez . Quot the president was real Nice but it is sad being Back Here where so Many of my friends were killed a said Toledo who fought with the 88th inf div and was among the first troops into Rome on the night of june 4,1944