Lettera per Tom Hanks

Lettera aperta di Salvi Marcello a Tom Hanks
“Proposta per una buona lettura di un buon libro....”

13 aprile 2025,

Dear Tom Hanks,

I’m a great admirer of your work, and in particular, your passion for World War 2. I had the pleasure of watching your movie “Saving Private Ryan”, and the tv series “Band of Brothers”, which I found absolutely fascinating.

Your sensitivity and commitment to telling the stories of the soldiers who fought in that war are truly admirable. It is for this reason that I believe you might be interested in the story of my book.

I’m Marcello Salvi, an Italian author who has written a book titled “Folgore: The Story of Corporal Major Domenico Videtta, the Last Fallen of El Alamein.”

My book tells the true story of Domenico Videtta, who was the grandfather of my wife, Melissa. He was an Italian soldier who fought in the Battle of El Alamein in World War 2. His story exemplifies courage, sacrifice, and devotion to his country. He was called in arms in 1939 at the age of 29, and he was sent to fight in Albania. He then decided to join the paratroopers, motivated by the pay that was ten times higher, which would allow him to support his family.

His story continues with his departure for North Africa in July 1942, where he fought until his capture during the retreat on November 5, 1942. During his service, Domenico took part in many war actions, demonstrating his courage and skill, such as when he single-handedly blew up a tank.

I’m convinced that his story could be of great interest to you and could be adapted to a movie or a series. My book offers a unique and personal perspective on the war and Italian history.

Domenico was the first child of 9, who was born in 1910, at Padula, a village in the south of Italy, where the famous chartreuse blooms.
He spent his early years between his passion for reading and the hard work on his father’s agricultural estate. His father was a farmer, while his mother was a very strict and attentive lady. She often interfered in her kids’ love life. Domenico was a handsome young boy who was also pretty popular among the girls of his village, which left her mother thinking a lot.

Domenico chose a country girl who was educated by his mother. She was an illegitimate daughter, but she was later on recognized by a noble. To marry his first wife, Domenico abandoned his comfortable family life and became a truckman. During an incident, he lost the middle finger on his left hand, but that didn't stop him from what he did.

His first wife, after the war ended, didn't have many resources and went to work as a servant in the town of Castrovillari. Her employer was separate, and the wife, also a Neapolitan noblewoman, thought the two were lovers and therefore came to the Calabrian town and killed her.

Among other things, Domenico, when he married his second wife, was still married to his first. A whole story to be told.

Domenico’s life is marked by a love opposed by his mother and his first wife, which leads him to make difficult decisions. The call to arms takes him to the Greek-Albanian front, where he distinguishes himself for his courage and skill. He then joined the paratroopers and was sent to North Africa, where he took part in the battle of El Alamein.

Domenico is captured and spent over three years imprisoned. When he returned to Italy, he was still ill and also had to face the death of his first wife.

During his imprisonment, after the 8th of September of 1943, Domenico accepted to work for the British, and this allowed him to live outside of the prison camp. During this period, he drove a truck carrying goods throughout North Africa alongside an Irish sergeant with whom he formed a strong friendship.

Despite these difficulties, Domenico rebuilds his life, falls in love again, and actively engages in the reconstruction of post-war Italy. He participated in the demonstrations of 1952 for the return of Trieste to Italy and fought for justice and freedom.

I hope that Domenico Videtta’s story may be of interest to you and that it could be adapted into a movie or a series.

Where can I ship you my book?

Best regards,
Marcello Salvi


Marcello Salvi
Roma

Autore: Salvi Marcello