Private First Class Fancis M. Cahill
Branch of Service
Honored by
Mary Pat Knepper, Daughter
Francis M. Cahill, Jr., Son
Maureen A. Angelini, Daughter
Catherine D. Goyette, Daughter
Francis M. Cahill, Jr., Son
Maureen A. Angelini, Daughter
Catherine D. Goyette, Daughter
Activity During World War II
Fought with Company F, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division.
Rhineland, Central Europe
Rhineland, Central Europe
U.S. Army
Awards
Good Conduct Medal
Marksman - Rifle
Combat Infantry Badge
European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon
American Theater Campaign Ribbon Victory
Distinguished Unit Badge
Marksman - Rifle
Combat Infantry Badge
European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon
American Theater Campaign Ribbon Victory
Distinguished Unit Badge
On January 11, 2008, the world lost another veteran of the Second World War, Francis M. Cahill. Prior to his passing,
the Central Florida World War II Museum was given the honor of protecting his legacy through a large donation of
personal artifacts and ephemera. A selection of Mr. Cahill's history is presented here.
the Central Florida World War II Museum was given the honor of protecting his legacy through a large donation of
personal artifacts and ephemera. A selection of Mr. Cahill's history is presented here.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Hometown
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Pfc. Francis M. Cahill in Germany, 1945.
The hotel where Francis was stationed at the end
of the war, Germany, 1945.
of the war, Germany, 1945.
Unit Citation issued to Second Platoon, Company F, 318th Infantry
for action on March 15, 1945.
Click on the citation for a full view.
for action on March 15, 1945.
Click on the citation for a full view.
A holiday card from the front 1944/1945.
A poem written for the veterans of the Battle for Kassel.
Click on the poem to enlarge it.
Click on the poem to enlarge it.
A poem written from Francis Cahill to his wife. A personal example of the
heartache inflicted on soldiers during their service on the frontlines.
Click on the poem to enlarge it.
heartache inflicted on soldiers during their service on the frontlines.
Click on the poem to enlarge it.
Another example of the personal sacrifices made by soldiers and their families
during the war. Here a letter from Francis to his baby boy. It reads:
Dear Son,
Well this is the first letter that I have ever written you. I don't suppose it makes
much sense to you. As I know that you are young and can not read too well.
But thank God that you are young, and I thank God that you are home safe
with Mommy.
You are taking good care of her while daddy is away. And above all you are
being a good boy and not causing Mommy anymore worry than she has now.
Are you drinking your milk and taking your afternoon nap? And when Ma stays
with you nights, do you go to bed and stay like you are suppose to?
Tell Mommy to send me a toothbrush the next time she sends me a package. I
have plenty of toothpaste but no brush. Also, tell her that I raised that allotment
from $15 to $20 a month. She probably won't get it for a little while. But will
eventually. Well that's all the news for now. Love to all, Daddy
during the war. Here a letter from Francis to his baby boy. It reads:
Dear Son,
Well this is the first letter that I have ever written you. I don't suppose it makes
much sense to you. As I know that you are young and can not read too well.
But thank God that you are young, and I thank God that you are home safe
with Mommy.
You are taking good care of her while daddy is away. And above all you are
being a good boy and not causing Mommy anymore worry than she has now.
Are you drinking your milk and taking your afternoon nap? And when Ma stays
with you nights, do you go to bed and stay like you are suppose to?
Tell Mommy to send me a toothbrush the next time she sends me a package. I
have plenty of toothpaste but no brush. Also, tell her that I raised that allotment
from $15 to $20 a month. She probably won't get it for a little while. But will
eventually. Well that's all the news for now. Love to all, Daddy
A cartoon which depicts the sad state of German refugees at the end of the war.
The handwritten notation at the top reads, "This is the truth, that is the way the
Jerries follow you around when you are eating out of doors. They have their nose
right in your plate."
Click on the cartoon to enlarge it.
The handwritten notation at the top reads, "This is the truth, that is the way the
Jerries follow you around when you are eating out of doors. They have their nose
right in your plate."
Click on the cartoon to enlarge it.
Photographs taken in Germany at the end of the war in 1945.
80th Infantry Division shoulder flash worn by Pfc. Francis M. Cahill during World War II.
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Adobe Web site.
Adobe Web site.
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link to the Adobe Web site available at the bottom of this page.
link to the Adobe Web site available at the bottom of this page.
PDF file requires Adobe Reader. To obtain your free reader, follow the
link to the Adobe Web site available at the bottom of this page.
link to the Adobe Web site available at the bottom of this page.
