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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 28, 2025 Page 13 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus This past Tuesday (March 25) was Medal of Honor Day, and Saugus residents who walked into Town Hall were in a unique position to participate in the federal observance that pays tribute to more than 3,500 American heroes who received the nation’s highest military decoration for valor in combat. Monday was a rainy and gloomy day as I walked into Town Hall. But as I paused on the ground floor and looked in the direction of the Veterans’ Services Office, I noticed something inside the display cabinet alongside the wall that I hadn’t noticed before – the prestigious Medal of Honor that was bestowed posthumously upon World War II hero Army Staff Sergeant Arthur Frederick DeFranzo. DeFranzo, a 1938 Saugus High School graduate, was the first Saugus man killed during the D-Day invasion. At age 25, he sacrificed his life on the battlefield to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. The Saugus VFW Post 2346 Hall was named in DeFranzo’s honor. DeFranzo is one of just 265 Medal of Honor recipients from Massachusetts, which has the third highest total of medals behind New York (677) and Pennsylvania (380). More than 3,500 American service people have received this medal of valor since it was first presented in 1863. The Medal of Honor along with four other war medals that DeFranzo received have only been on display since last fall after a family member brought them to Saugus Veterans Service Officer Paul Cancelliere in a candy box. Cancelliere said he was motivated to find a place to display DeFranzo’s medals after learning that the town had planned a Halloween event for kids at Town Hall. He figured it would be a good way to expose many of the kids to a true hometown hero. “We need to share these VALOR: A close-up of the prestigious Medal of Honor presented posthumously to Staff Sergeant Arthur Frederick DeFranzo of Saugus for his heroic action during World War II when he sacrificed his own life to save his fellow soldiers. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) DEFRANZO’S MEDALS: The Medal of Honor and several other military medals bestowed posthumously upon Saugus World War II hero Army Staff Sergeant Arthur Frederick DeFranzo are on display on the ground floor of Saugus Town Hall. (Courtesy photo of Paul Cancelliere) stories of valor. That’s what this is all about,” Cancelliere told me this week. “If you’ve never seen a Medal of Honor, you can go and see one at Town Hall now. Staff Sgt. DeFranzo is one of nine who received the Medal of Honor from being part of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy,” Cancelliere said. “That sort of sets you apart from the rest of the crowd,” he said. Being the home of a Medal of Honor recipient also sets Saugus apart from many other Massachusetts communities. Cancelliere said he wishes that he could have found a separate display area for DeFranzo medals instead of having to share the same cabinet with another Saugus fallen hero – Marine Corp. Scott J. Procopio – who was killed in action in April 2006 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. American Legion Post 210 bears Procopio’s name along with Capt. William G. Shoemaker of Lynn. The Citation for the Medal of Honor DeFranzo received posthumously tells the story of his gallant sacrifice: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit 1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2 machine guns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1 the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/ Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machine gun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company’s advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.” DAR will honor Vietnam War veterans tomorrow Vietnam veterans or surviving spouses will receive a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Lapel Pin in a special ceremony tomorrow (Saturday, March 29) at 11 a.m. at the Saugus VFW Post, 190C Main St. Saugus. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) together with the Judge Samuel Holten Society of the Children of the American Revolution are marking a significant milestone in American history with a special celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In a tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War, a special pinning ceremony will be held to honor Vietnam veterans and their families as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a program led by the U.S. Department of Defense. If you are a Vietnam veteran or a surviving spouse, please join us on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at the Saugus VFW Post at 190C Main St. Please RSVP to parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail. com or text 781-710-1829. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:3011 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. Legion Breakfasts today THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15

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