Hometown Heroes of WWII
Rainey: Cook awarded Bronze Star
By Michael Rocchetti
Thomas Rainey (1921-1964) was an Army cook and WWII veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service.
He was very resourceful and he often resorted to extraordinary measures providing rations to his front-line troops in the rugged mountains of Italy during the war. He was responsible for feeding more than 200 men daily, under field conditions, while preventing foodborne illnesses. He was assigned to the 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division in Italy. He earned the prestigious Bronze Star Medal. The award was made for meritorious service in combat and was accompanied by a special citation signed by Brigadier General J. C. Fry, commanding, U.S.A. The citation is as follows: “Thomas Rainey, 31141320, Technician Fifth Grade, Company ‘B’, 350th Infantry Regiment. For meritorious service in combat from 4 March 1944 to 2 May 1945. During this period Corporal Rainey served as a cook, and his cheerful willingness and earnest co-operation have been directly responsible for the continued high morale in the company. On numerous occasions, when possible to operate a kitchen close to the front lines, Corporal Rainey, calmly performed his duties in a most commendable manner despite enemy artillery and mortar fire. During offensive operations, mountainous terrain necessitated the use of mule trains to convoy rations and supplies to front line troops. Corporal Rainey, on numerous occasions, voluntarily accompanied these trains which often moved under enemy observation and fire. Exhibiting exceptional calm, he repeatedly led these trains over perilous mountain trails, disregarding the ever present dangers, and invariably succeeded in delivering the sorely needed rations and supplies. When not operating with the mule trains, Corporal Rainey could be found baking pies or cakes and many other welcomed changes in diet. Corporal Rainey’s genuine concern for the welfare of the men and sincere devotion to duty have been great factors in maintaining the high morale and the fighting efficiency of this company and are a tribute to the fine spirit of the American soldier. Entered the military service from Hartford.”
He was born on Dec. 26, 1921, in Burrillville, the son of Fred and Clarisse (Forest) Rainey. He had two brothers and four sisters. He joined the Army in June 1942. In November 1945 he was honorably discharged. After the war, he returned to Putnam and worked at a textile mill. He was married to Cecile Marcoux; they had three sons and three daughters. He died March 20, 1964. He is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery Danielson.
Hometown Heroes is a series published in the Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger with this mission: We owe it to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to make sure that they are never forgotten, and that the memory of their service and sacrifice will forever live on in the hearts and minds of the grateful people of Putnam.
..