He was injured four times during WWII in Tunisia and Sicily in 1943, Belgium in 1944 and Germany in 1945. He was a Rifleman who served in the Army’s 1st division, Company K, 18th Infantry. Among his citations were Bronze Star, Purple Heart with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.

He was a humble man who never talked about his service or awards. He taught me to be kind and tolerant of people. He never talked about the war. He did stay in touch with several people that he served with. I’m sure they talked amongst themselves.

Dad was never one to draw attention to himself. He had all of his medals and military items stored in our attic. When he passed away in 1986, my mom and I got them out and had them framed. He also was on the cover of Life Magazine the day before D-Day and in Look Magazine attending an outdoor Mass. These were two things that he treasured which I have.

My father gave years of volunteer service for the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department. He not only gave service to his country, but also his community. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and passed away in 1986. He is survived by a son and daughter, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.