The Decoy Doughboy Souvenir Edition -- Printed in Czechoslovakia May 23, 1945. -- Publishes by and for the men of the 18th Combat Team. -- First Infantry Division, U. S. Army. Distinguished Visitor O Monday. May', 15th, The Regiment was favored by a visit from one of its more famous alumni, Major Renato Froncillo, now secretary to the Under Secretary of War, The Honorable Robert Patterson. The former 1st Battalion S-3, who left the 18th in April of 1943 due to wounds received during the North Africa fighting, paid an informal visit to the Decoy CP to talk over old times with veteran officers of the Regiment. As "1st Lt. Froncillo" in May, 1941, he joined the 18th Combat Team as 'B' Company executive officer. On November 8th, as a captain and C. O. of "Charlie" Company, he participated in the invation of North Africa, but was badly wounded by shell fragments at the Battle of St. Cloud, 14 miles inland. For gallantry in this action he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. Returning in January, 1943, he took over as 1st Battalion Ass't S-3 during which time he experimented with captured German vehicles and weapons, giving the War Departement valuable information concerning Future equipment needs for combat troops In March he was made Battalion S-3.
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