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Alvin T. Brady of Bay City, Mich., entered active duty as an infantryman on April 17, 1941, and served with the 32nd, 75th and 79th Infantry Divisions. He spent the early part of his service in training positions at various camps in Louisiana, Texas and California. He was later reassigned to the 75th and 79th divisions, and participated in the Normandy campaign from June 26-July 24, 1944; Northern France campaign from July 25-Sept. 14, 1944; Rhineland campaign from Sept. 15, 1944, to March 21, 1945; and the Central Europe campaign from March 22-May 11, 1945.

A Promotion

On Feb. 17, 1945, Brady was given a battlefield commission and was promoted from Technical Sergeant to Second Lieutenant. He commanded a platoon of the 313th and 290th Infantry Regiments, and was responsible for its administration, training and tactical employment. 

Wounded in Action

On April 7, 1945, Brady was wounded in action in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment. Fortunately, the wound was not serious, so he was able to stay with his regiment until he was relieved from active duty on Dec. 22, 1945.   

A Bronze Star

On May 15, 1945, Brady was awarded the Bronze Star medal. His Bronze Star citation reads: "For meritorious achievement in action against the enemy on December 13th 1944 in France. After crossing a river bridge, the platoon of which 2nd Lt. Brady was a member was brought under heavy sniper and tank fire which seriously wounded the platoon leader. 2nd Lt. Brady (then technical Sergeant) immediately assumed command and held the bridgehead enabling the remainder of the company to cross the river later in the day. The superior leadership and exemplary conduct manifested by 2nd Lt. Brady reflect great credit on the armed forces of the United States."

Our Collection

The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display Brady’s uniform, medal and insignia grouping, German military souvenirs, and military paperwork collection. It is a fitting tribute to a proud veteran of the U.S. 32nd, 75th and 79th Infantry Divisions.

 

Lloyd G. Davis of Ingham County, Mich., enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 14, 1943. He completed basic training at Camp Wolters in Texas. During his youth, Davis enjoyed boxing and participated in a number of Golden Gloves competitions throughout Michigan. At Camp Wolters, he also participated in their boxing program as a welterweight in 1943. After basic training, he was assigned to the 15th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 5th Armored Division. He participated in the battle for France and was killed in action on Sept. 1, 1944, at age 25.

Last Letter

In his last letter to his wife, written Aug. 28, 1944, Davis informed her that he had been recommended to receive a Bronze Star medal for his part in taking a halftrack from the Germans. Little did he know that in just a few days after writing his letter, he would be killed in action, leaving behind his wife and a 6-year-old daughter. 


Our Collection

The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display the Pfc. Lloyd G. Davis killed-in-action Purple Heart grouping. It is an excellent collection that includes his KIA Purple Heart medal, Western Union telegram, and other items and paperwork. It is fitting tribute to a brave soldier who gave his life defending our great country. Of all the items in our museum, there is nothing more sad than our collection of killed-in-action Purple Heart groupings. One cannot imagine the anguish and sorrow that went with receiving the dreaded telegram informing you that someone you loved was killed in action.  


During World War I and World War II, U.S. military forces used a number of interesting edged weapons. The 16-inch bayonet issued with the Springfield and M1 Garand rifle was later shortened to 12 inches for easier use. There were also purpose-made bayonets for the M1 Carbine and 1941 Johnson rifle. The fighting knife line included a host of different kinds, from WWI-type trench knifes to the famous Marine Corps KA-BAR series of combat knives.

Our Collection

The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display a nice collection of the various bayonets and fighting knives used by U.S. military forces in World War I and World War II.   

 

Eugene A. Facchinello of Bessemer, Mich., enlisted in the U.S. Army before the war on Aug. 8, 1939. He entered overseas duty with the HQ Company 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division on March 16, 1942. Later in the war, he was assigned to the HQ Company 2nd Battalion, 394th Infantry Regiment of the 99th Infantry Division. Facchinello's primary military duties were as a driver and clerk typist for the headquarters company. He served with his units through eight different battle campaign areas until Sept. 11, 1945. 

A Bronze Star

On Dec. 2, 1944, Facchinello was awarded the Bronze Star medal. His citation reads: "For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the North African Theater of Operations and in the European Theater of Operations from January 1st 1943 to November 15th 1944. The skill, dependability, and courage with which Corporal Facchinello performed his duties as driver of the intelligence section and as S-3 clerk contributed immeasurably to the efficiency of his organization during the North African and Sicilian campaigns and in the planning and operational stages of the invasion of Western Europe." He was later awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge on Jan. 9, 1944. 

Our Collection

The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display the Cpl. Eugene A. Facchinello 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division grouping. It is unusual in that it is basically a time capsule chronicling his life before the war in the CCC (civilian conservation corps), CMTC (citizens military training corps), Reserved Officers Training Corps (Junior Division), as well as his World War II service. This extensive collection includes his uniform, medals, patches, dog tags, military paperwork and records, CCC records, CMTC records, footlocker and much more. Also included is a nice selection of German military relics he brought home as souvenirs, including a 1936 SS officer's dagger. All in all, it is one of the most complete foot locker groupings we have ever seen. It is a fitting tribute to a proud member of the famous 1st Infantry Division.

 

Aubrey J. Sanders of Missouri entered active duty as a member of the U.S. Navy on Dec. 2, 1940. He attended a number of Navy schools and was trained to enter the submarine service as an Electrician's Mate First Class. After training, he was assigned to the submarine U.S.S. Pintado SS-387 and participated in three combat patrols aboard it.

Letter of Commendation

While serving aboard the U.S.S. Pintado SS-387 in 1944, Sanders received a letter of commendation personally signed by Adm. Chester W. Nimitz. The citation letter reads: "For distinguishing himself by meritorious conduct in the performance of his duties as a member of the crew in a United States submarine during a war patrol of that vessel. His skill and devotion to duty during aggressive torpedo attacks on enemy shipping contributed materially to his vessel’s success in sinking enemy ships totaling over 30,000 tons and damaging an additional enemy shipping of over 6,000 tons. His efficiency and coolness during severe enemy counter-measures greatly assisted the ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all of whom he served, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service." 

Rising Through Ranks

After World War II, Sanders stayed on with the U.S. submarine service through the late 1950s and rose to the rank of Chief Electrician's Mate. He served on a number of other submarine,s including: U.S.S. Chanticleer ASR-7, U.S.S. Trumpetfish SS-401, U.S.S. Cobbler SS-344, U.S.S. Sea Dog SS-401, U.S.S. Kittiwake ASR-13, U.S.S. Sea Leopard SS-483, and U.S.S. Odax SS-484.   

Our Collection

The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display Chief Electrician's Mate Aubrey J. Sanders' Submarine Service Grouping. This excellent grouping includes his uniform, medal and insignia grouping, and military paperwork collection. He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service.   

 

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