It’s brought to you by Batavia Downs Gaming with help from our friends at WNY Heroes who brought us this week’s incredible nomination.  This week's Hometown Hero is James Vaccarella.

James Vaccarella became a soldier and was drafted in March 1944 when he was 18 years old.  He went directly to the Infrantry then after 17 weeks of training at Camp Blanding in Florida he headed overseas to Ohmaha Beach in France.  From there he transferred into the medics unit after the Nov 4th Election where Franklin Roosevelt was elected President again for his 4th Term.

James Vaccarella 2 (listener submitted photo)
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James was in battle and it took him only 60 days to get his 1st Bronze Star and Medal of Honor.  His 2nd Bronze star was given to him at the Battle of the Bulge in Basstone (Ardennes).  This is where he also received a Purple Heart after had a building fall on him while protecting a fellow soldier.  He was able to escape and rescue men from the rubble.

He received 3 battle stars for 3 out of the 4 zones of the war.

At age 21 he came home (1946) and was honorably discharged in 1947.

It is certainly people like Mr. Vaccarella who need to be recognized and thanked for their brave service.  This week, we are proud to call James Vaccarella our Hometown Hero of the week!

Remember, if you would like to nominate someone who is currently serving our country or has served in the past, simply click the button below. We will honor a new Hometown Hero each week.

Thank you once again to James Vaccarella, this week’s Hometown Hero!

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