Born in New York City, author John Hersey modeled his character Major Joppolo in "A Bell for Adano" on Toscani. In WWII Toscani landed on "D" Day in Licata, Sicily and was appointed Military Governor for that city. It was there that Hersey observed then Major Toscani solve the intricate problems of the war torn community. The novel also produced a Broadway show with Frederick March and a television version starring John Hodiak. Colonel Toscani was decorated by three governments for his outstanding military service - The United States with the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star: Great Britain with the rank of Honorary Officer of the British Empire (OBE) and Italy with the rank of Commander of the Crown of Italy.
Born in New York City, author John Hersey modeled his character Major Joppolo in "A Bell for Adano" on Toscani. In WWII Toscani landed on "D" Day in Licata, Sicily and was appointed Military Governor for that city. It was there that Hersey observed then Major Toscani solve the intricate problems of the war torn community. The novel also produced a Broadway show with Frederick March and a television version starring John Hodiak. Colonel Toscani was decorated by three governments for his outstanding military service - The United States with the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star: Great Britain with the rank of Honorary Officer of the British Empire (OBE) and Italy with the rank of Commander of the Crown of Italy.
Bio by: Ginny M
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