Recently Harold Reno Drost of Presque Isle and other members of the extended Guerrette family have been trying to research a relative who served his country and paid the ultimate price while serving in Italy during World War II. With help from Rachel L. Smith at Congressman Michaud’s Presque Isle office, here’s what they’ve been able to come up with:
At the age of 18, Reno L. Guerrette, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Guerrette of Presque Isle, left Aroostook County for the first time in his life. After passing his physical exam in Portland, he went directly to basic training in Florida and upon completion was sent to the European Front. In July 1944, he and his sergeant were engaged in a firefight with German troops in the vicinity of Laiatico, Italy. The actions of PFC Guerrette earned him a Bronze Star. He also participated in a 13-day battle with German troops where the Blue Devils 351st Infantry Regiment suffered 76 killed in action and 220 wounded. After this action, the Germans were no longer a major factor in Italy.
Drost reports that it has been interesting and also very frustrating in looking for more information on Guerrette and his regiment. PFC Guerrette was reported killed in action on Oct. 2, 1944; he was 19 years old. It appears that his body was never recovered. Records for the 351st Regiment are available on a weekly basis from the 1800s through the present, however records for the month of October 1944 are missing from the files. What is known is that PFC Guerrette earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his 16 months of service to his country.
Here are some excerpts from letters written by PFC Guerrette to his family during his time in the U.S. Army:
April 22, 1944 to his brother Wilfred: “Tell Mom and Pop not to worry about me. I am all right and having a good time. Every night we have a ball game with the other fellows. It isn’t as bad over here as I thought it was going to be. All the towns around here are all in ruins. The Italians really must have gone through hell.”
Undated to his sister Angelina: “I received 7 letters from home today. They seem to come all at once. Have you been getting any mail from me lately? If you haven’t it isn’t my fault, I’ve been writing pretty often lately
“I’m glad to hear the house is all painted, it must look pretty good now. Have you started on the store yet? You can send me some cookies or cake if you want to.”
May 3, 1944 again to his brother: “You wanted to know if it was better to stay out if you could. It’s up to you, some fellows don’t like the Army, as for me I don’t mind it. Still there is no place like home.”
Undated Western Union telegraph to his mother: “You are more than ever in my thoughts at this time. My love and greetings on Mother’s Day. I wish we were together on this special occasion. All my best wishes for a speedy reunion.”
Aug. 26, 1944 again to his sister: “Don’t worry about that telegram you got from the government about me being in the hospital. I only stayed in the hospital about 18 days, so you see it wasn’t that bad. I’m back with the company now.”
