Memorial

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Joseph G. Farina enlisted on 15 June 1943.

On 3 January 1945, Joe Farina’s Company was at Hédomont and they were ordered to capture Houyire Hill. It was a bitter cold day with light snow, and the German positions were well prepared to meet the assault. Heavy German artillery and machine gun fire rained down on Company B as they attacked up the hill. Eventually they were successful but they suffered sixty-five casualties including Joe Farina. He was killed in action by a gunshot wound to the head.

After his remains were recovered, Joe Farina was buried at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery. Before he left for the Battle of the Bulge, Joe Farina left instructions that, if he was killed, his remains were to be laid to rest in the Pacchiotti family’s plot in Comblain-la-Tour.

In 1946, the Farina family sought to honor Joe’s request but the US Army opposed the idea. In the Spring of 1947, Farina’s mother Julia and sister Mary came to Belgium to visit the Pacchiotti family. The Farina family again petitioned the American government to move Joe’s remains to the Pacchiotti family plot. Joe Farina’s remains were finally laid to rest in the Pacchiotti family plot at Comblain-la-Tour on 5 August 1948.