Belluscio, Francis J

Description

Francis J Belluscio was born on October 17, 1910, in New York, his father, Lorenzo, was 22 and his mother, Margaret, was 18. He had one brother and one sister. In Rye his family were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Francis was a Columbia University Graduate, Class of 1934.

He served as an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II. Francis was platoon leader in the 361st Infantry Regiment of the 91st “Powder River ” Division.

The division, under Major General William G. Livesay, departed for the European Continent on 3 April 1944. There, on the Italian Front, Francis’s 361st Regimental Combat Team was detached to participate in the battles for Rome and the Arno River.

It became the first formation of the U.S. Fifth Army to reach the river. In September 1944, the division crossed the Sieve River, outflanked the famous Gothic Line, and captured the Futa Pass. For its part in combat, the division was awarded the North Apennines, Po Valley and Rome-Arno campaign streamers.

Francis was awarded the Mediterranean Theatre Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).

He was personally awarded the Army Commendation Medal by General Mark Clark. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army who distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

After the war, for many years he was an auditor for the County of Westchester. Francis J Belluscio died on August 15, 1980 in Elmsford, NY, at the age of 69.