World War II Honoree

Nick Barrese

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Canastota, New York

Honored By

Nick Barrese

Relationship

Son

BASIC TRAINING AT CAMP CROFT, SOUTH CAROLINA. VOLUNTEERED FOR THE PARATROOPS AND TRAINED AT FORT BENNING, GEORGIA IN FEBRUARY 1943. SERVED WITH 82ND AIRBORNE, 505TH REGIMENT, G COMPANY. HE WAS SHIPPED OUT TO NORTH AFRICA IN APRIL, 1943 AND FROM THERE, PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF SICILY. HE MANNED A MACHINE GUN FOR 6 DAYS BEFORE BEING WOUNDED BY AN EXPLODING ENEMY MORTAR SHELL. HE SPENT 3 MONTHS IN A BASE HOSPITAL IN NORTH AFRICA BEFORE RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL.