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Bernard Domenico: World War II veteran

 

    Bernard Domenico was born on February 4, 1927 in Welby, Colorado. Welby was a small farm town about three miles northeast of Denver, Colorado. Its population was compromised of primarily Italian families who once worked in mining and railroading but then transitioned into vegetable farming. Domenico and his family made a living by raising and selling their produce through “truck farming” at Denver City’s Market.

    Domenico attended Assumption Catholic School taught by Catholic nuns which consisted of only three students. Two or three months prior to his graduation, Domenico received his draft notice papers. He later went to the draft board in order to obtain his deferment so that he could finish high school.  He graduated in the middle May and received his induction letter in the beginning of June.

    On June 11, 1945, Domenico was inducted into the Army at Fort Logan, Colorado. During his induction he was asked if he could “shine a pair of boots,” which he could and later was assigned to the horse cavalry. Though his family owned many horses for plowing on their farm, Domenico had never himself ridden a horse.

    After being inducted into the cavalry, Domenico was to go through boot camp. The first half of his training was infantry training and in the second half he was taught how to ride a horse. Domenico’s final training was done at Camp Funston in Fort Riley.

    During his time at Camp Funston, Domenico recalled a terrifying memory which left him with the name “The Lone Ranger.” Every day the men were to pick their horses which they would ride and take care of for the day. One morning, Domenico arrived late to the stables and there was only one horse left. The horse wasn’t of Domenico’s preference but he had no choice. Once the men chose, they were to saddle up their horses and then go for their usual one mile ride out of the camp where their lieutenant would inspect the gear. That day, as the lieutenant was doing his inspection, he noticed that Domenico’s horse had sores on his mouth and told Domenico that he would have to ride the horse without a bridle. Domenico now had no control over his horse and the horse took him for a ride of his life time until they reached the camp. After that all of the other men would call Domenico “The Lone Ranger.”

    Fortunately for Domenico, the war ended halfway through his training so he never served overseas. After the completion of his training he was stationed at Camp Pickett Virginia. From there, he was assigned to the Transportation Corps to work as an office clerk. On November 14, 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Bernard Domenico was discharged with a rank of Corporal.

    Once discharged Domenico was happy to return home. While both his parents were happy that their son was back home, Domenico’s father tried to persuade Domenico to return to the Army for the benefit of his future. Domenico, however, refused and began working in a grocery store, then to a heating company, and later in Continental Airlines.