Brightwood Boys, The History of the Men from
the North End of
Springfield, Massachusetts,
During World War II
by Christopher P. Montagna
CHAPTER 5
Answering the Call
In January 1942, Frank and Nino Montagna of 58 Huntington Street were among the first of the Brightwood Boys to answer the military call to duty.
Frank Montagna left his job as a photo engraver to join the Navy on January 19, 1942. He reported for active duty six days after his 28th birthday on January 26, 1942. At the beginning of World War II the United States Navy had four Boot Camps at San Diego, CA; Bainbridge, MD; Newport, RI; and Great Lakes, IL. Frank was assigned to the Naval Training Station in Newport, RI. After the customary eight-week basic training program, Frank reported for duty at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Nino Montagna was working as a chauffeur and had also served with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) when he enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 19, 1942. Nino reported to Parris Island the next day and completed basic training on March 13, 1942. Due to his experience with the CCC, Nino was assigned as a Marine Corps Engineer with special training as a heavy truck driver and carpenter. While Frank was fortunate to be stationed Stateside, Nino was assigned to Company B, First Engineering Battalion, First Marine Division. He would soon join his fellow Marines as part of the island hopping campaign in the Pacific Theater of Operations.