Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, May 22, 2020 A Saugus couple remembers Linda and Robert Patenaude each receive a Medal of Liberty honoring their uncles who were killed in action during World War II By Mark E. Vogler L inda Jackson Patenaude’s voice cracked as she recalled the uncle she never knew because he died while serving his country more than 77 years ago. “It’s important to me,” the Saugus woman said, as she SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available POSTHUMOUS HONORS: Saugus Veterans Services Officer Jay Pinette reads a certificate from Gov. Charlie Baker before presenting Robert and Linda Patenaude each with the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty, which honors two uncles who were killed during World War II. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) fought back tears. “I get emotional when I think about it. I wouldn’t be standing here having this conversation if my dad didn’t come back. It’s really hard,” she said. Her dad’s brother, Seaman http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. Second Class Herbert E. Jackson, a 17-year-old Everett native, was among the 687 sailors – including the five Sullivan brothers – who were lost at sea on Nov. 13, 1942. Only 115 men survived when their ship, the Juneau, was torpedoed by the Japanese in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Patenaude’s husband, Robert, has his own story about an uncle who also lost his life in World War II – U.S. Army Sgt. Kenneth J. Patenaude, 19, of Revere, was shot and killed on Nov. 21, 1944, by enemy fire during an engagement with the Germans. The Patenaudes stood on the front lawn of Saugus Town S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping Hall late Wednesday afternoon as Saugus Veterans Services Officer Jay Pinette presented each of them with the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty. Pinette read from the certificates signed by Gov. Charlie Baker bestowing the awards posthumously on the Everett sailor and Revere soldier. The medal resembles the Purple Heart Award, which is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded in the line of duty. The state’s Medal of Liberty is awarded to next-of-kin or descendants of service men and women who have been killed in action or who died as a result of wounds received in action. Linda Patenaude received the medal on behalf of her uncle and the Jackson family. Robert Patenaude received the award on behalf of his uncle and the entire Patenaude family. The medals were supposed to be presented during the town’s Memorial Day observances, which were cancelled this year because of the outbreak of COVID-19. Members of both families would have joined the community in honoring the two fallen servicemen. But with social distancing being practiced to limit the gathering of crowds, Pinette presided over a short ceremony, observed only by representatives of two local newspapers. The Saugus Veterans Council cancelled its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies, which were set for tomorrow (Saturday, May 23) out of concerns for the health and safety of residents. “I think it’s nice that the Commonwealth is honoring Gold Star families,” Robert Patenaude said. “It helps keep alive the memory of those who sacrificed themselves in the line KILLED IN ACTION: A photo of U.S. Army Sgt. Kenneth J. Patenaude, 19, of Revere, who was killed in combat during World War II. of duty.” He applied last summer after learning about the award. The state approved his application late last year. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts War Records Section in the Office of the Adjutant General is responsible for reviewing and validating requests. Here is a summary of the two uncles prepared by Robert Patenaude: Sgt. Kenneth J. Patenaude He was born and raised in Revere and enlisted in the US Army in 1943 at the age of 18. Sgt. Patenaude was assigned to the 1st Division (nicknamed “The Big Red One”), 18th Infantry, 3rd Battalion and was in one of the first waves to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He survived the landing and made it through France, Belgium and into Germany, where he fought in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest near Aachen, Germany, which was described “as deadly, as miserable, as unrewarding and relentless a battle as the 1st Division ever fought in,” according to historians of The Big Red One. On November 21, 1944, Sgt Patenaude was shot and killed by enemy fire during an engagement with the Germans. After-action reports recounting this day written by Capt. Elmo MacDonald, Battalion Commander, describe “fighting from house to house with snipers in the rear of our advancing troops. The magnitude of the Battle of Heistern can be judged by the casualties suffered by our forces and the toll of the enemy dead and captured. During these days the 3rd Battalion suffered 172 casualties, had taken 250 prisoners and killed a great number of the enemy.” REMEMBERS | SEE PAGE 15
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