BOBA Veteran Member Guerino “Bill” Jacobini, 83rd Infantry Division, 330th Infantry Regiment, Company G, has received the French Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart. Make that two Purple Hearts, along with eight other medals, including the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He also has a certificate of appreciation from the city of Antwerp, Belgium, for his brave combat during 175 days of continuous enemy air attacks.

At just 18 years old, Jacobini became part of the Third Army of General George Patton, in the 83rd Infantry Division. Exiting the landing craft at Normandy Beach, they were being shot at. Jacobini described the scene: “In water up to my waist, in full combat gear. BAR loaded, grenade rocket and plenty of ammo. Rangers were in front, many gas balloons were in the air for protection from enemy aircraft.” Later wounded in action in France, he was taken to England to recover. When he rejoined the 83rd at the Rhine River in December 1944, he discovered that most of his unit was gone. Jacobini fought in Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded again and then put on limited duty. Discharged on Dec. 20, 1945, he returned home to West Philadelphia. Jacobini deeply appreciates the honors he has received, but says he is not a hero. “The heroes are the ones that never came home.”