PVT. HARRY C. MARTINS DIES IN HOLLAND FROM WOUNDS

BY BOB LESSARD

Historian Post 64 American Legion

...........................................(Periodically, the Gazette will publish biographical sketches of Middleboro war casualties. This is intended to remember the sacrifices of all veterans and those who gave their lives to our country. A slogan which reflects thoughts about our veterans states: “ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.”)

...............A telegram from the War Department dated October 25 to the parents of United States Army Private Harry C. Martins notified them of the death of their son on September 24, 1944. According to the telegram, Harry lost his life due to wounds sustained in action in Holland.

.................His parents, Mr. Jacinto and Mrs. Anna Martins were residing in Middleboro at 25 Hillside Avenue, when they received the telegram from Washington, D.C. concerning the loss of their 20 year old son. His family had been previously notified on September 23 that he had been wounded in Holland.

................The War Department notification was signed by Adjutant General J. A. Ulio and it read in part: “The Secretary of War asks that I assure you of his deep sympathy in the loss of your son Private Harry C. Martins. A letter will follow.” The wording of the telegram had been shared with the Middleboro Gazette by Harry’s parents, which printed a notice of his loss in the October 27, 1944 edition.

.......................................Harry was born in Middleboro on March 10, 1924. According to family sources, at the time of his birth, the doctor listed his name as Harry “Martin.” Of course, his last name was Martins, and with his name being misspelled, as written by the doctor, caused some confusion later in life. In fact, the Gazette printed his name as “Martin” when reporting his death.

.....................................Private Martins attended Middleboro public schools. He was employed locally as a shoe worker in the Leonard & Barrows shoe company prior to entering the service. He was inducted into the United States Army at Boston.

.............................He received military training at Camp Wheeler in Georgia and at Camp McCall in North Carolina. While awaiting shipment for overseas duty, he was stationed in Taunton during the last part of 1943. He ended up in France as part of the invasion serving as a paratrooper with the 105th Infantry.

................................Following his death, his remains were returned to Middleboro and he was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery on St. Joseph’s path. He was survived by his parents, three brothers. John, who was with the Seabees in the South Pacific, James and George at home, and, a sister Evelyn, also at home.

................................Harry C. Martins is remembered by the naming of the Cherry Street bridge over Route 495 as the Harry C. Martins Memorial Bridge, which was signed into law by Act 325 of the State Legislature and signed by Governor John A. Volpe on April 9, 1962. His name also appears on the Central Casualty stone in Middleboro’s Veterans Memorial Park.

................................Gazette readers of this column are reminded that tribute bricks are still available for placement in the Veterans Memorial Park. Applications may be obtained at the brick locator in the park; or by calling Paul Kreitzberg at 508-965-9549; also in the lobby of the Town Hal bank building; and at the office of Veterans Service Officer Jason Cox, third floor of the bank building.