World War II Honoree

John A. Rafacz

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Fallentimber, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Bernard A. Rafacz

Relationship

Son

TECHNICIAN 4TH GRADE; SERVED JUNE 1942 TO SEPTEMBER 1945. FROM JUNE 1944 UNTIL THE FALL OF GERMANY IN MAY 1945, HE SERVED WITH THE 304TH COMBAT ENGINEERS, 79TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 3RD U.S. ARMY UNDER GENERAL PATTON. DURING THAT TIME, HE PARTICIPATED IN MANY BATTLES AND CAMPAIGNS: NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, RHINELAND, AND CENTRAL EUROPE. DURING THE LIBERATION OF FRANCE IN JULY 1944, HIS UNIT WAS INVOLVED IN 132 DAYS OF CONSECUTIVE COMBAT. FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM, HE RECEIVED THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 4 BRONZE STARS, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON, MARKSMAN BADGE WITH AUTOMATIC RIFLE BAR AND CARBINE BAR, AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.