In August 1955, Connecticut experienced some of the worst flooding in its recorded history after two major hurricanes — Connie and Diane — dumped between 20 and 30 inches of rain across the state in the span of a single week. All of the state’s major waterways, including the Connecticut, Quinebaug, Farmington, and Housatonic rivers, overflowed their banks, completely destroying hundreds of massive factory buildings, marinas, warehouses, and homes. Entire houses were lifted off their foundations and carried downstream, and the main streets of Winsted, Putnam, and Torrington became raging streams of swift-moving water. A state report issued months later estimated that the losses of public and private property due to the flooding of August 1955 cost a total of over $1.5 billion in today’s dollars.
Still, amid the countless scenes of loss and destruction, one could also find tales of bravery and heroism, as Connecticans banded together to help each other through one of the state’s worst natural disasters. One especially memorable tale of bravery involved Master Sergeant Albert Pensiero, one of the many Connecticut National Guardsmen dispatched to help rescue stranded Connecticans by land, sea, and air when the flooding was at its worst. Two years later, on December 27, 1957, Pensiero became the first recipient of the newly-created Connecticut Medal of Valor for his deeds, which were described at length in his official citation:
“Master Sergeant Albert Pensiero, displaying great courageous action, and at extreme personal risk, rescued more than twenty-four people from flooded homes in Unionville, and brought them to safety on high ground. Upon completion of this deed, Sergeant Pensiero, though many hazards and over many obstacles, was able to bring the Army [Duck Boat] with much needed medical supplies to the flood-ravaged town of Winsted.
Through Sergeant Pensiero’s skillful handling and careful maneuvering of this military vehicle, although previously untrained in its operation, he was responsible for the saving of many lives and the prevention of greater tragedy by bringing the vehicle loaded with rescued persons through the raging flood waters of both towns to safety.”
The Connecticut Medal of Valor was established to recognize men and women serving in the state’s military service who display “conspicuous gallantry, at the risk of his [or her] life, above and beyond the call of duty, while on military service.” To date, several decades after its creation, fewer than twenty men and women have earned the honor. Bravery remembered and valor rewarded, today in Connecticut history.
Further Reading
“The Connecticut Medal of Valor,” State of Connecticut Military Department
“The Flood of ’55: Memories,” Hartford Courant
