More than 140 people turned out Saturday to help the Johnston Historical Society honor a local World War II hero. Paratrooper Emery O. Picotte was 23 when he was killed during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. But he was never forgotten by family or friends back home in Johnston.
His nephew George Picotte, who was only 7 when his uncle died so far from home, was determined that he be recognized for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country. Before George Picotte died in December at the age of 87, he left a special request.
A long-time member of the Johnston Historical Society, Picotte had generously funded the flagpole and monument that stands at the entrance to the society’s museum on Putnam Pike. He wanted both dedicated in memory of his late uncle…