Bachenheimer took part in Operation Husky, fought in the battles for Salerno and Anzio, where his bravery behind enemy lines made him a legend in the 82nd Airborne Division, earning him the nickname of "The Legendary Paratrooper". From 1942 to 1944, Bachenheimer was the subject of articles in newspapers such as "Star and Stripes", "Collier's Weekly" and the "Los Angeles Times", and some of his exploits were broadcast in radio dispatches.