Geneva Post Office to be named after War Hero

Geneva-Legislation to rename the Castle Street post office after a local war hero cleared the House of Representatives Friday. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Richard Hanna, would name the building after Cpl. Steven B. Riccione, who was killed during the Vietnam War. The bill passed the House 418-1 and will now go to the Senate.Riccione, a former Geneva High School student volunteered for the Army at age 20. He was killed in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam on Sept. 26, 1967.Riccione was a private when he died but was recommended for posthumous promotion to corporal. He was also recommended for the Bronze Star Medal with V device and the Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster.In an account of his actions, it was stated that with complete disregard for his own safety, Riccione rushed from his covered position through a vicious hail of enemy fire to aid his wounded comrades. He continuously exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire, standing up at times to place effective fire on enemy positions.After an enemy bullet destroyed his weapon, he picked up a machine gun and charged an enemy bunker, killing two North Vietnamese soldiers. Riccione was mortally wounded helping evacuated wounded personnel while under heavy fire shortly afterward.