Eugene A. Facchinello of Bessemer, Mich., enlisted in the U.S. Army before the war on Aug. 8, 1939. He entered overseas duty with the HQ Company 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division on March 16, 1942. Later in the war, he was assigned to the HQ Company 2nd Battalion, 394th Infantry Regiment of the 99th Infantry Division. Facchinello's primary military duties were as a driver and clerk typist for the headquarters company. He served with his units through eight different battle campaign areas until Sept. 11, 1945.
A Bronze Star
On Dec. 2, 1944, Facchinello was awarded the Bronze Star medal. His citation reads: "For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the North African Theater of Operations and in the European Theater of Operations from January 1st 1943 to November 15th 1944. The skill, dependability, and courage with which Corporal Facchinello performed his duties as driver of the intelligence section and as S-3 clerk contributed immeasurably to the efficiency of his organization during the North African and Sicilian campaigns and in the planning and operational stages of the invasion of Western Europe." He was later awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge on Jan. 9, 1944.
Our Collection
The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display the Cpl. Eugene A. Facchinello 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division grouping. It is unusual in that it is basically a time capsule chronicling his life before the war in the CCC (civilian conservation corps), CMTC (citizens military training corps), Reserved Officers Training Corps (Junior Division), as well as his World War II service. This extensive collection includes his uniform, medals, patches, dog tags, military paperwork and records, CCC records, CMTC records, footlocker and much more. Also included is a nice selection of German military relics he brought home as souvenirs, including a 1936 SS officer's dagger. All in all, it is one of the most complete foot locker groupings we have ever seen. It is a fitting tribute to a proud member of the famous 1st Infantry Division.
