Papers and a photograph of Joseph D. Reilly, a Janesville, Wisconsin native who served in the 501st Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division during World War II and took part in the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Papers consist of base camp materials, correspondence with family, items related to his service as a paratrooper, and documents associated with his marriage to Eileen Campbell Reilly. Base camp materials include a laundry ticket, ration cards, and an immunization register. Correspondence consists mostly of letters written to and from his parents concerning his well being. Also included are telegrams, a V-mail card, and a card from the city of Delavan, WI. Items related to his service consist of a radio authenticator and a Dutch-to-English translation guide. Also included is a presidential unit citation for the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, a list of award recipients for the Bronze Star Medal, and a program for the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment reunion in 2001. The documents associated with his marriage include a customs declaration, a hand baggage check receipt, and certificates and statements giving permission for Reilly to marry. The black-and-white photograph is of Reilly in uniform with Eileen Campbell on their wedding day in 1945. Reilly was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin and worked in a factory in Delavan, Wisconsin before enlisting in the Army in 1943. Near the end of his basic training, Reilly signed up for jump school to become a paratrooper. His first jump in battle was the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. Reilly also fought to defend the town of Bastonge during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his part in that battle. In March 1945 Reilly married Eileen Campbell of Darwen Lancashire, England. They had met while he was on furlough in 1943 and kept in touch before deciding to get married. They eventually moved back to Janesville in 1946.
