~Horace J. Bennino~
It is my honor to share with you the life of a dedicated solider in WWII- Horace J. Bennino. Horace was well known by many as “Corky.” His elementary school principal, Mrs. Stevens, gave him the nickname “Cork” due to his shorter height. The name followed him as he grew up to be an outgoing young man. Corky was the oldest son of Mary and Nunzio Bennino.
He had a love for music and entertaining anyone who was in his presence- which was often- as he grew up in a home with ten relatives, including his grandmother and three siblings- Frank, Alice, and Edith. His youngest sister Edith told me when we met that, Corky "was a big tease" and was happiest when he was playing the accordion... playing song after song. Growing up, she always believed he would have a career in entertainment. Corky expanded his love for music when he joined the “Jed Summer’s Chuck Wagon Boys” group which became very popular and could be heard on the local radio. The band broke up when Corky and most of the other members of the band became enlisted men. Corky's younger brother Frank joined the army as well.
Corky entered the service in November of 1942 when he was 20 years old, and was sent to Europe in April of 1944. Before leaving he had a big going-away party at “The Club House.” It was a place where everyone could dance and celebrate Corky going off to war. After leaving, Corky kept close ties to his family and would send letters telling them he was well. Corky had a close relationship to his mother Mary, who would send weekly army care packages with items like salami's, warm socks, or homemade cookies to each of her two sons, and even their friends. Corky displayed great courage when he was wounded June 22, 1944, during a German attack while trying to capture Cherbourg. In order to get help for his company, Corky had to fight his way through an enemy mortar barrage. Despite being wounded, he successfully delivered his message and the Germans were stopped. But Corky's act of heroism would be his last. Two days later, he died of his wounds.
Letter acknowledging Horace being awarded the Purple Heart
This honorable man was the first World War II soldier to die from Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The second Rocky Hill boy to fall just six weeks later was Corky's own brother- Frank. The loss devastated their mother, who even years later, continued to dress in black.
Horace was honored with the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. A dispatch from the War Department recognized him for his "Indomitable courage and valiant determination to carry out his mission despite his wounds." It must not go unmentioned that he was truly dedicated to serving his country, as he could have received a military deferment due to his employment at the Connecticut Foundry Company, a defense related industry. He was inspired by his father, Nunzio, who fought for the United States, his adopted country, in World War I. Horace "Corky" Bennino will always be remembered, not just for his actions in war, but also for the loving, caring person that everyone knew him as.
Horace was honored with the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. A dispatch from the War Department recognized him for his "Indomitable courage and valiant determination to carry out his mission despite his wounds." It must not go unmentioned that he was truly dedicated to serving his country, as he could have received a military deferment due to his employment at the Connecticut Foundry Company, a defense related industry. He was inspired by his father, Nunzio, who fought for the United States, his adopted country, in World War I. Horace "Corky" Bennino will always be remembered, not just for his actions in war, but also for the loving, caring person that everyone knew him as.