134th Infantry Regiment Website "All Hell Can't Stop Us"

Pfc Frank B Pycior

134th Infantry Regiment - Company E

Frank Bernard Pycior, son of Joseph John and Eva (Drapala) Pycior, was born January 21, 1925 at Rome, New York. He registered for the Draft January 22, 1943. At the time he was working at Ottaway's Diner in Rome. He was inducted into the Army March 27, 1943 at Utica, New York. He joined Company E, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment from the 86th Replacement Battalion July 20, 1944 and was promoted to Private First Class August 16, 1944. Pfc Frank B Pycior was originally reported missing September 11 during the crossing of the Moselle River at Flavigny, France. He was later confirmed killed in action September 17, 1944. He is buried at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Rome, New York.

The following is an excerpt from the official history "United States Army in World War II, The European Theater of Operations, THE LORRAINE CAMPAIGN" describing the 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment's battle at the Flavigny bridge: "most of the battalion was dug in on the east bank of the Moselle near the bridge exit. But for some reason the tank destroyers, ordered to hurry across the bridge and support the American infantry, did not arrive. Up to this point fortune had favored the Americans and the enemy had failed to react in any force. About midnight German planes dropped bombs near the bridge but without making a hit. Then the German field guns took over the job and with a few accurate salvos smashed the structure, leaving the 2nd Battalion stranded on the enemy bank. For two and a half hours enemy shells fell unremittingly on the American position and casualties mounted. At last the German counterattack, delivered by infantry from the 104th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division and paced by tanks, swept in on the decimated and shaken battalion."

Daily Sentinel, Rome NY - October 2, 1944