Joe was drafted into the armed services and reported for
duty with the Army Air Forces on June 11, 1943. He was 21 years old.
He was sent to England after basic training and assigned to
the Headquarters of the 98th Combat Bombardment Wing (medium) of the
9th Army Air Force. The 98th was primarily deploying the
B-26 Marauder medium bomber. This bomber, as well as fighter bombers such as
the P-47 Thunderbolt were assigned to the 9th AAF, and participated
in combat missions in support of Allied ground troops in Europe.
Joe’s job was one of an administrative position, vital in
the workings of the war machine that was the 9th AAF.
One of Joe’s most memorable experiences was that of being on
guard duty (in snow) on Christmas Day in northern France. He also celebrated
his birthday on V-E Day!
Joe was awarded the EAMET medal with 5 battle stars, the
WWII Victory medal, the American theater medal, and the Good Conduct award. He
was discharged on October 19, 1945 with the rank of Corporal.
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