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Military distinctions and wartime memories

The son of Mr. & Mrs. Chris Muzinich, Melvin - born in 1924 - was just another happy kid growing up in Marin County; he loved fishing and hunting, and the great outdoors. By 1942, this 18 year-old Marin County boy was wearing the uniform of the United States Army.

In September of 1944, Melvin & other troops of the 95th Infantry Division of the 3rd Army sailed from England and landed at Omaha Beach. It was the beginning of 145 days of combat that took Melvin across France, Belgium, Holland, and into Germany for the final assault in the Battle of the Bulge.

Although Melvin was reticent, some were fortunate enough to hear a few of the stories he carried with him.

On one occasion Melvin spoke of his desperation to keep his feet dry during the frozen winter - his feet were unusually large and he had difficulty finding boots. Although torn, he had no choice but to collect socks and look for boots from those who had no further need.

Another time, while passing through a shelled out abandoned town, Melvin and a fellow G.I. were riding on the back of a tank. Mel made a comment and noticed the silence from his partner, he looked over and the soldier had just been shot in the chest and fell off as the tank continued to travel down the street.

When Melvin marched into Germany, he participated in the release of 4,500 French prisoners of war, who were liberated by the 95th after 4 years of imprisonment in the town of Soest.

The 95th Infantry Division, of which Melvin was a member, inflicted 47,000 casualties on the German Army, conquering 728 square miles of France and Germany.

Heroism can't be photographed; dogged persistence, bravery, and teamwork doesn't show in pictures. Yet, we all know, Mel possessed these very qualities.

In 1945, Mel returned home and went to work for the Marin Municipal Water District.

Letter of Commendation from General Patton to the 95th Infantry, of which Melvin "Moose" Muzinich was a member

Military decorations (images coming soon) - 95th Infantry Division Patch, European Theatre Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge, 7th Armored Cavalry Pin, and the honorable discharge pin.