Antonio Pennalene
Early Life
Antonio Pennalene was born on June 8, 1894, in Italy. He immigrated to the United States prior to World War I, part of the broader wave of Italian migration in the early twentieth century driven by economic hardship and the search for opportunity abroad.
By 1917, he was living in Rye, New York, initially associated with the Milton Point area and later residing at 15 Maple Avenue. He worked as a laborer, likely in construction or manual trades, reflecting the common occupations of many Italian immigrants in the region during this period.
World War I Service
Pennalene entered military service on June 24, 1918, having been inducted in Westchester County, New York. He was assigned to Company M of the 345th Infantry Regiment, part of the 87th Infantry Division.
The 87th Division was composed largely of National Army draftees and trained for deployment during the final phase of World War I. While the division did not fight as a complete unit, many of its soldiers were sent overseas as replacements and support personnel within the American Expeditionary Forces, reinforcing front-line units during the closing campaigns of 1918 and the subsequent occupation period.
Pennalene served overseas from August 23, 1918, to February 27, 1919. His service placed him in France during the final offensives of the war and the immediate post-Armistice period. He served in the rank of Private and sustained no wounds or injuries in action.
He was honorably discharged on March 10, 1919, following demobilization.
Life After Service
Following his return from military service, Pennalene continued his life in the United States, though detailed records of his postwar years remain limited. His service is preserved in federal records, including the Veterans Administration index, which confirms both his period of military service and his status as a recognized veteran.
Antonio Pennalene died on February 13, 1973, at the age of 78.
At the time of his death, surviving family members are not clearly identified in available records.