One man's quest to find out about Sgt Timothy J Hayes

Sgt Timothy J Hayes

In the summer of 2013, one man walked among the graves in the American section of the cemetery in Normandy. He stopped at a grave and planted a small American flag. He wrote the name of the soldier's grave he had found in his notebook. When he returned home, he went to the internet to search for information on the soldier. 

He was fortunate. He found Sgt Timothy J Hayes in the search results.

Rose Turco had provided me the information on all the street signs that had been placed on the corners or in the Franklin neighborhoods where the soldiers had lived. The World War II Fallen Heroes project had taken place in 2011.

Sgt Hayes' sign was at the corner of Cross and Summer. I had posted the World War II information following VJ Day in August 2013. This is what the man, Trip Lewis, was able to find.

Trip Lewis is an American living and teaching in New Brunswick, Canada. He wrote in October 2013 to send me the photo of Sgt Hayes' grave and the flag he placed. He also had a chance to stop in Franklin in December 2013 as he was driving down the coast to visit family over the holidays. We met at the corner of Cross and Summer.

It was an overcast winter day but special. Trip and I met and chatted for a few minutes, took a couple of photos, and he headed back on the road.

Trip Lewis

Fallen Hero: Sgt Timothy J Hayes

I had not heard from Trip until this weekend when he wrote:

Dear Steve, 

We met almost 5 years ago in Franklin after I had contacted you about information that you had about a soldier from Franklin, Sergeant Timothy J Hayes that had died from wounds received on June 6, 1944, on Franklin Matters. I wanted to first again thank you for meeting me that Day in December 2013 - it was a special moment to stand under the sign on Cross Street in Franklin and learn more about Timothy Hayes. 

I am reaching out to you because I again had the opportunity to visit France this past July - and as part of our group’s itinerary, another visit to the Normandy American Cemetery. Though we had not planned it until the day before, I was able to do more than just visit Sgt Hayes this time and plant a flag at his grave - in fact, I ended up doing a short biography of him for the members of our group, teachers and students from across Canada, and introduce all of them to what I know about him and his service. 

I was able to record this on video (only recently having the time to get back and edit all of the video content from the trip); if you are interested in watching, the link to the video is provided. We also did a grave stone rubbing which I have brought home and framed.

Given your help in meeting me in Franklin back in 2013, I wanted to share this video with you - many thanks for your help. I hope someday to again visit Franklin!

Trip and Rose have been in contact via email so this story continues to develop.


The video:





More about the Gregg Centre can be found online
https://www.unb.ca/fredericton/arts/centres/gregg/

Sgt Hayes page (the original posting that Trip found)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-sergeant-timothy-j-hayes-us.html

The Fallen Heroes Series can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Sgt Timothy J Hayes is also honored with a post on the recently dedicated Veterans Walkway

Fallen Heroes Series - Remembering

When I shared the picture from the Boston Sports Club to Facebook earlier this week, I realized that it was 'only' last year that I had posted the Fallen Heroes Series. Rhode Island, where I happen to be working, remains the only state to celebrate VJ Day or Victory Day, marking the end of World War II.

Post by Franklin Matters.

I also realized that there have been so many new subscribers in the past year that it would be worthwhile to re-share the link. So without further ado:

From wikipedia:

Although September 2 is the designated V-J Day in the entire United States, the event is recognized as an official holiday only in the U.S. state of Rhode Island, where the holiday's official name is "Victory Day",^[20] and it is observed on the second Monday of August. There have been several attempts in the 1980s and 1990s to eliminate or rename the holiday on the grounds that it is discriminatory. While those all failed, the Rhode Island General Assembly did pass a resolution in 1990 "stating that Victory Day is not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki."^[21] It is instead commemorative of those who fought, as Rhode Island sent a significantly above-average percentage of its population into the Pacific theater.    

To recognize the Franklin Fallen heroes from World War II, I'll be sharing their information this week. 

Thanks to Rose Turco for putting it together to recognize them and for allowing me to share this with you.

What is the Fallen Heroes Series?
A description of each of the street signs that are found around Franklin to acknowledge the individual who lived near there and gave his life in either World War II or the Vietnam War.

Cpl John J Kell - Raymond St

Note: There have been some additions to the signs to recognize those individuals from Afghanistan and Iraq but their info is not included in here at this time.


You can find the complete listing here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: John Emidio Pasquantonio

Lance Corporal John Emidio Pasquantonio was born in Franklin on March 14, 1949, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Pasquantonio. John lived with his parents and 3 sisters on Grove St. while attending the Franklin Schools. John enlisted in the Marines, at age 17. 

John was married to the former Jacqueline Mucciarone of Franklin and he left a son, John Carlo, who currently lives here in Franklin. 

Corporal Pasquantonio, assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, had been sent ashore as a forward observer for the Navy guns on the coast of Vietnam, in Quang Tri province, when he was struck by a mortar shell and killed instantly on April 30, 1968. Prior to his death, John had repeatedly volunteered for this hazardous duty landing on the coast by helicopter. Cpl. Pasquantonio was award the Cross of Gallantry Medal, which compares with America's bronze star award, by the South Vietnam government. 

Lance Corporal John E. Pasquantonio was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Note: as I was updating links I realized that I had skipped this one when I was putting the series together in November.  The full set of Fallen Heroes from the Vietnam War have been added to the Fallen Hero collection.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard was born on July 1, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Willard. Alan lived at 529 Pleasant St. with his parents, three brothers and one sister. Sergeant Willard lived most of his life here in Franklin. He was graduated from Franklin High School in 1965 and enlisted in the Air Force in August of that year. Sergeant Willard served for two years with his tour in Vietnam beginning on February 20, 1967. 

Sergeant Willard died on February 18, 1968 of ground causality wounds as a result of a hostile artillery attack when his barracks at Tan Son Nhut Air Base inGia Dihh province, South Vietnam, was struck by rocket or mortar shell fire. He was a member of the 6250th Combat Support Group serving as a radar specialist. 

Sergeant Alan Willard was 20 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard, street sign

Fallen Hero: Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was born on June 30, 1952, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Shaw. Russell lived with his parents and four sisters at 561 Lincoln St. A 1970 graduate of Franklin High School Russell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of that year. 

Airman Shaw graduated with honors from a technical training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He learned to maintain and service turbo-propeller aircraft and was assigned to Clark AFB for duty with a unit of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. 

Airman Shaw was killed in a motoring accident while serving at Clark Air Force Base, the Philippines on April 9, 1971. 

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was 18 years old at the time of his death while serving during the Vietnam War.

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw, street sign

Fallen Hero: Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette was born on October 13, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Daggett, who lived in Franklin before moving their family to New Bedford. As a young man Joseph spent his summers in Franklin with his uncle and aunt, Mr. And Mrs. Roger Villiard of Brook St. Sgt. Paulette had requested that if anything happened to him while in the service, that his funeral and burial take place in Franklin. 

Sergeant Paulette enlisted late in 1965 and became a member of the 101st·Airborne Battalion. Sergeant Paulette served two years in the Army with his Vietnam tour beginning on December 13,1967. Sgt. Paulette was killed along with five other casualties by hostile small arms fire on April 9, 1968 leading a combat mission in Quang Tri province, South Vietnam. 

Sergeant Joseph R. Paulette was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette, street sign

Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron

Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron was born on September 27, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Garron Sr. Lawrence lived with his parents and a sister at 1295 Pond St., went to grade schools in Franklin and then went to Boston Trade High School from which he was graduated in 1967. 

Corporal Garron enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1967 and had served overseas for 10
months. During his tour of duty in June of 1968, Cpl. Garron had been wounded and was hospitalized for eight weeks in Saigon from shrapnel wounds in the leg, for which he received the Purple Heart. 

Cpl. Garron later returned to- active duty where he became a casualty on September 21, 1968 when he was one of eight marines in a platoon of 15 men killed in the explosion of a mine while on patrol in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. 

Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron

Lance Corporal Lawrence Garron Jr. was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron

Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters. 

According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy.

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Fallen Heroes - Booklet

The booklet available for those attending the ceremony to unveil the street signs on May 15, 2011 marking the Fallen Heroes can be viewed here:





I'll second the acknowledgements listed on the back cover and especially to Rose Turco for allowing me access to this material to share here.

Many thanks!

Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr., U.S. Navy

Aviation Radioman Second Class John W. Wyllie, Jr., son of John and Elizabeth Wyllie, was born on December 4, 1922. John lived with his parents and two sisters at 460 Washington Street. John attended the Franklin Public Schools and was a graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1941. 

Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr. was in the service for 3 years during which he saw extensive combat flight duty in the various invasions in the South Pacific. 

Aviation Radioman 2C John Wyllie had completed 11 months of combat duty in the South Pacific and was scheduled to go overseas again. In August of 1945, while on an authorized Navy patrol bomber training flight, John lost his life as the bomber exploded in midair and crashed into the sea 20 miles southwest of San Diego, CA. 

Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr., U.S. Navy was 22 years old at the time of his death while in the service of his country during World War II.

Fallen Hero: RM 2C Wyllie

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Second Lieutenant John A. Schur, U.S. Army Air Corps

Second Lieutenant John A. Schur was born on July 26, 1922, the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Schur. John lived at 124 Beaver Street with his parents while attending the Franklin Public Schools. John graduated from Franklin High School in 1940 as Class Valedictorian. John was also very active in scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Following graduation from high school, John entered Northeastern University to study chemical engineering and was on the Dean’s List for his 3 years there. John left Northeastern to enlist in the U.S. Air Corps on October 17, 1942. 

In raids over Tokyo Second Lieutenant Schur was highly commended for his outstanding ability and courage when he left his post as navigator to repair and put back into operation radio and radar equipment which had become inoperable during the flight. In a later raid over Tokyo, 2nd LT John H. Schur was aboard a B-25 bomber loaded with bombs when the bomber sustained a direct hit and disappeared in a burst of an explosion over the heart of the city on March 10, 1945. 

Second Lieutenant John A. Schur, U.S. Army Air Corps, was 22 years old at the time of his death over Tokyo while serving his country during World War II.

Fallen Hero: Second Lt Schur

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, the son of Carl and Bessie Rollins, was born on May 23, 1925. Marshall lived with his parents and sister at 51 Crescent Street. 

Marshall E. Rollins attended Franklin High School but left high school at the end of his junior year to join the Marine Corps. 

Private First Class Marshall Rollins served in the Fourth Marine Division for nearly three years, participating in the Battles of Roi, Namur, Tinian, Saipan and Iwo Jima. His division received a Presidential Unit Citation for their efforts in the Saipan battle. PFC Marshall Rollins sustained an injury in this battle but later returned to active duty on Iwo Jima. 

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins was severely injured on March 10, 1945 in the fighting at Iwo Jima, was evacuated to the U.S. Hospital in the Mariannas and subsequently succumbed to his battle injuries in the Guam Hospital on April 2, 1945. 

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps, was 19 years old at the time of his death while serving in the service of his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Rollins

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army

Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was born on November 12, 1907 son of Jules and Maria Perret. Jules lived with his parents and three sisters at 29 Washington Street. 

Jules was a well known sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. For many years he was an active member and tireless worker of the Franklin Rod and Gun Club. He did much towards the construction of the then new club house at Uncas Pond. Before volunteering to go into the service, Jules worked as a weaver in Canton, MA. 

Jules entered the service on October 12, 1943 and trained at Camp Croft, South Carolina. Pvt Jules E. Perret went overseas in March of 1944, first seeing action in North Africa and later serving in Italy where he met his death on August 15, 1944 in a vehicular accident. 

Pvt Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was 36 years old at the time of his death while serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private Perret

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, son of Ernest and Maud Parmenter, was born on October 18, 1917. Gerald lived at 466 King Street with his parents and a twin brother. He attended the Franklin Public Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1935 and from Hill College in Woonsocket in 1937. Gerald did accounting work at local businesses and was associated with his father at the Red Mount Poultry Farm here in Franklin. 

Prior to the war Gerald, who was very enthusiastic about aviation, obtained his license as a civilian pilot. Gerald enlisted in the Army Air Corp in August of 1942 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943 at Yuma, Arizona. First Lieutenant Parmenter served as a pilot in the air transport ferrying command, piloting planes built in this country to the British Government in Nassau. 

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter died from injuries received in an air crash while in the line of duty near Ramsar, India in the Asiastic Theatre. 

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter was 26 years old at the time of his death on July 17, 1944 while serving his country during WWII.

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Parmenter

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army, was born on July 28, 1924 son of Anthony, Sr. and Vera Mucciarone. Anthony lived at 31 Cleveland Avenue with his parents, two brothers and one sister. Anthony attended the Franklin Public Schools ,was a member of the Franklin High School class of 1942 but left high school at the end of his junior year. Anthony entered the army on April 23, 1943. 

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. rose in rank from buck private to staff sergeant in two months and was awarded a citation for personal and group heroism for his combat participation with the invasion forces in Normandy, commencing on June 6, 1944. He was a member of the 29th Infantry Division which captured St. Lo after almost continuous combat since its landing in Normandy on D-Day. Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. was also a member of the 116th regiment of the 29th which successfully attacked a heavily fortified and strongly defended beach in the vicinity of Vievill-sur-Mer. The Corps Commander cited the 29th’s repeated “personal and group heroism and its unflagging devotion to duty which overcame discomfiture, fatigue and determined resistance of a resourceful enemy.” 

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. died in combat in France on July 30, 1944 at age 20 years. Anthony rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sgt Mucciarone

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Private Daniel E. McCahill, U.S. Army

Private Daniel E. McCahill, U. S. Army, was born on June 11, 1919, son of Bernard and Mary McCahill. Daniel lived with his parents, three brothers and two sisters at 13 Pinehurst Street. 

Daniel attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1938. He was a fine athlete affectionately known as “long Dan” or “big Dan” who played a hard fast brand of basketball. Dan continued his basketball play in an independent league after high school. 

Daniel answered his country’s call on March 21, 1941 and after a period of training with the 182nd infantry division was sent to the South Pacific war zone. Private Daniel McCahill was killed in action on November 11, 1942 at the Battle of Guadacanal. This campaign is well known for its pivotal role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Allies in the Pacific Theatre. 

Pvt Daniel E. McCahill was 23 years old at the time of his death while engaged in combat fighting to recapture Guadacanal in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private McCahill

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Private Charles E. Mason, U.S. Army

Private Charles E. Mason, U.S. Army Signal Corps, was born on February 24, 1916, son of Fred and Minta Mason. Charles lived at 62 Pleasant Street with his parents and sister. Charles attended the Franklin Public Schools graduating from Franklin High School in 1934. During his high school years, he participated in the Memorial Day ceremonies on the Common by reciting the Gettysburg Address. 

Prior to entering the army, Charles was a member of a Naval Reserve Unit located here in Franklin and served under the command of Fred Cook. David Bullukian, another one of our Fallen 23, also served in this Franklin unit. 

Charles attended Boston Radio and Television School prior to his induction in July of 1941. PVT Charles Mason used this special interest in ham radios and used this skill to converse with people in the area while in the army. 

Private Charles E. Mason died of injuries received in an automobile accident at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey on December 28, 1941 at the age of 25.

Fallen Hero: Private Mason

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy

Ensign William Olindo Martello, U.S. Navy, was born on April 14, 1920, son of Theresa and Olindo Martelli. Willam was raised by Theresa and her second husband, Nicholas Martello, at 17 Howard Street with his four sisters and one brother. “Willie” attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1937. William went on to Boston University where he graduated with honors with an A.B. degree and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa. 

William Martello was a student, artist and musician as well as a fighting man. “Willie” was an accomplished concert pianist and was rated as one of the most promising young pianists in New England. Prior to his naval service “Lindy” traveled on the Grace cruise line to South American as an onboard pianist. 

William O. Martello enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves on April 17, 1942 and later began his active naval service on April 8, 1943. William O. Martello attended Columbia’s naval officers training program and was commissioned an ensign upon completion of the program on July 28, 1943. He served as second in command aboard an invasion craft off the coast of the Anzio beachhead below Rome. Survivors of Ensign Martello’s landing craft, which had struck a mine in the waters off Anzio, reported that Ensign Martello had refused to heed the order to abandon ship, had fitted out a life raft with provisions, and when last seen, just as the ship turned over and went down, was hurling life belts into the sea for his crewmen swimming in the water. 

A month before his death Ensign William O. Martello wrote to his mother the following lines in a letter to her: 

“As for the war, we had to adjust ourselves to the personal problems it brought, and if a guy can’t take it, then his life is a failure. That is why I am not even afraid of death. If I did one thing that indicated cowardness, the rest of my life would be miserable.” 

Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy, was lost at sea off Anzio on January 26, 1944 at the age of 23.

Fallen Hero: Ensign Martello

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, U.S. Army

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was born on January 29, 1913 in Franklin son of Quinto and Julia Lazzerini. Baldo made his home here in Franklin from age 16 with the Pacifico and Amelia Gianetti Family of 57 Hutchinson Street. Baldo’s active duty began upon his enlistment on March 20, 1941. 

Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini served with the U.S. 5th Army, G-2 Intelligence service in Italy as an interpreter for General Mark Clark. T/Sgt Lazzerini was involved in the heaviest of fighting in Italy and had personally witnessed the surrender of Italian generals to Allied generals, with whose staff he was connected. T/Sgt Baldo Lazzerini’s brilliance in military operations, coupled with his knowledge of the Italian language gave him rapid rise in rank. 

T/Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini died as a result of a military vehicle accident in Italy on June 24, 1945. 

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was 32 years old at the time of his death in service during World War II.

Fallen Hero: T/Sgt Lazzerini

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Corporal David Laughlan III, U. S. Marine Corps

Corporal David Laughlan III, U.S. Marine Corps, was born on March 20, 1923 son of David and Elsie Laughlan. David lived with his parents, a sister and a brother at 55 North Park Street. David attended the Franklin Public Schools and graduated from Franklin High School, Class of 1941. David joined the Marine Corps two months before Pearl Harbor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III saw a great deal of action as a member of a rifle company fighting against the enemy on Saipan, the Marianas Islands on June 30 and again on July 1, 1944. CPL Laughlan volunteered to lead patrols into enemy territory obtaining valuable information of great value to his company commander. The information was used by his commander in planning the company’s many subsequent successful attacks against the enemy. Corporal David Laughlan III was injured on Saipan and was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance of valor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III later returned to action for the torrid battle on Iowa Jima and lost his life there on February 24, 1945. 

Corporal David Laughlan III was 21 years old when he became a battle casualty while in combat during WWII.

Fallen Hero: Corporal Laughlan

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html