My dad was first generation Italian. He joined the Army in 39 the year I was born. He received two Purple Hearts -- wounded in No Africa and again in Germany. He then joined the 82nd. I remember Dec.22nd 1944 seeing my Dad off at South Station in Boston. My eyes filling up as I write this. You bet I'm proud!
Did he join on September 2, 1939? Just wondering.
My Dad used to tell the story of how he was at Penn State studying with his engineering buddies, when news came on the radio about Pearl Harbor. My Dad said, We knew we were going to war then! Dad went into ROTC training and an accelerated program where he finished his degree, then went straight into the Army/Air Force. He was accepted into Cadet flying school but didn't make it through the program (hey, at least he gave it his best) and finished the war stateside.