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Milani, Joseph Reno

Date of death:
August 2007
Service number:
39116630
Nationality:
American

Biography

Joseph R. Milani served as Radion Operator with the ranks of Staff Sergeant and Technical Sergeant and the function as Radion Mechanic Operator/Gunner with 510th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group from June 21st, 1944 until October 7th, 1944.

Joseph R. Milani flew a total of 32 operational sorties until his plane was hit by flak on October 7th, 1944. The plane made an emergency landing in Sweden, where the crew was interred. He was honorably discharged with 3035th Army Air Forces Base Unit, Camp Beale, California as Technical Sergeant on September 9th, 1945.

After the war he worked with the U.S. Poastal Service, where he stayed until his retirement in May 1974. He passed away in August 2007.

Promotions:
April 13th, 1943: Private First Class;
December 14th, 1943: Sergeant;
April 1st, 1944: Staff Sergeant;
?: Technical Sergeant

Career:
December 9th, 1942: Induction San Francisco;
December 26th, 1942: Aircrew Training, St. Petersburg, Florida;
January 2nd, 1943: Basic Training, Clearwater, Florida;
April 2nd, 1943: Plant Park, Tampa, Florida;
April 13th, 1943 - October 4th, 1943: Radio Operator-Mechanic Training, Scott Field, Belleville, Illinois;
October 18th, 1943 - December 14th, 1943: Gunnery Training, Fort Meyers, Florida;
January 11th, 1944: Air Training, Drew Field, Tampa, Florida;
January 18th, 1944: Plant Park, Tampa, Florida;
February 4th, 1944 - April 26th, 1944: Phase Training B-17, MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida;
May 8th, 1944 - May 26th, 1944: Preparing for Overseas Duty;
May 27th, 1944: Isle of Anglesy, Valley, Wales;
May 29th, 1944: 14th R.C.D., Stone, England;
June 3rd, 1944: Last Minute Training, Bovingdon, England;
June 16th, 1944 - October 7th, 1944: 510th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group;
October 7th, 1944 - December 17th, 1944: Internment Sweden;
December 17th, 1944 - September 1st, 1945: Temporary Service;
September 1st, 1945: Seperation Camp , Camp Beale;
September 9th, 1945: Seperation.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Unit:
510th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
July 21st, 1944
Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in sustained bomber combat operations over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by S/Sgt MILANI upon these occasions reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

General Orders No. 192, Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division (21 July 1944).
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Unit:
510th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
October 7th, 1944
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

General Orders No. 403, Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division (7 October 1944).
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 18th, 1945
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded for a wound received on June 21st, 1944.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Second Good Conduct Medal received in the form of a clasp to be worn on the ribbon of the first GCM-A.
Good Conduct Medal - Army

Sources

  • Photo 1: Maria E. McGrath
  • - Photo with ribbonbar
    - Army Record
    - General Orders No. 192, Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division (21 July 1944)
    - General Orders No. 403, Headquarters 1st Bombardment Division (7 October 1944)

Photo