World War II Honoree

Benedict Rafanello

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Newark, New Jersey

Honored By

Wife Rita, Concetta, John & Glenn Rafanello & Grandchildren

Relationship

Family

SAILED ON THE QUEEN MARY I, TROOP SHIP TO ENGLAND AND EUROPEAN THEATER OF WAR. SERVED AT OMAHA BEACH AND NORMANDY HEDGEROWS ACROSS FRANCE ALONGSIDE PATTON'S TANKS. FOOT SOLDIER, BAZOOKA, MORTAR AND RIFLEMAN WITH 358TH INFANTRY. WOUNDED IN AREA OF ALSACE-LORRAINE, OPERATED ON IN FIELD HOSPITAL AND EVACUATED TO ENGLAND TO HOSPITAL FOR RECOVERY. SENT BACK TO FRONT TO BASTOGNE. CONTRACTED TRENCH FOOT WHILE FIGHTING THERE. SHIPPED BACK TO U.S. TO RECOVER AT DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA AT A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL. SERVED IN NORTHERN FRANCE, RHINELAND. AWARDED THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER RIBBON WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, PURPLE HEART, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE AS MERITED, HEAVY CREWMAN, RIFLEMAN BADGE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.