On Saturday, December 7, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Office of Veterans’ Services will dedicate the area outside 329A West Broadway in South Boston as a Hero Square to commemorate Martin McDonough, a South Boston resident who was killed in action in November 1942 while serving aboard the USS Juneau.
Hero Squares are dedicated to service members who have been killed in service to our country. There are more than 1200 Hero Squares in the City of Boston. Veterans’ Services is adding a biographical plaque to each Hero Square so people can learn more about the service member’s life and service.
About Martin McDonough
Martin Francis McDonough, United States Navy, September 29, 1914 – November 13, 1942. Martin Francis McDonough was born on September 29, 1914, in Boston. A resident of South Boston, McDonough enlisted in the United States Navy on January 14, 1942, and began active duty three days later. He served as a Seaman Second Class aboard the light cruiser USS Juneau, fighting in many battles.
On November 13, 1942, McDonough was lost at sea and presumed dead when the USS Juneau was sunk by a torpedo. There were only 10 survivors. For his sacrifice and his service, McDonough was awarded the Purple Heart. Martin was survived by his parents, Patrick and Margaret, and is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in Manila, Phillipenes.
thank you and rest in peace hero
Sad to be lost at sea:(