Veterans Memorial-Carbondale, PA - Non-Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

This Flag Pole is given by Gino and Mary Merli in memory of all veterans who served their country to preserve our freedom. 1999.
Gino Merli is buried about 20 feet from this flag pole. He is a World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: MERLI, GINO J.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
• Place and date: Near Sars la Bruyere, Belgium, 45 September 1944
• Entered service at: Peckville, Pa.
• G.O. No.: 64, 4 August 1945
Citation: He was serving as a machine gunner in the vicinity of Sars la Bruyere, Belgium, on the night of 45 September 1944, when his company was attacked by a superior German force Its position was overrun and he was surrounded when our troops were driven back by overwhelming numbers and firepower. Disregarding the fury of the enemy fire concentrated on him he maintained his position, covering the withdrawal of our riflemen and breaking the force of the enemy pressure. His assistant machine gunner was killed and the position captured; the other 8 members of the section were forced to surrender. Pfc. Merli slumped down beside the dead assistant gunner and feigned death. No sooner had the enemy group withdrawn then he was up and firing in all directions. Once more his position was taken and the captors found 2 apparently lifeless bodies. Throughout the night Pfc. Merli stayed at his weapon. By daybreak the enemy had suffered heavy losses, and as our troops launched an assault, asked for a truce. Our negotiating party, who accepted the German surrender, found Pfc. Merli still at his gun. On the battlefield lay 52 enemy dead, 19 of whom were directly in front of the gun. Pfc. Merli's gallantry and courage, and the losses and confusion that he caused the enemy, contributed materially to our victory.

Type of Memorial: Non-Specific Memorial In Honor Of: All Veterans who served their country to preserve our freedom Marker Text: This Flag Pole is given by Gino and Mary Merli in memory of all veterans who served their country to preserve our freedom. 1999. Date of dedication: 1999 Who Put it Here?: Gino and Mary Merli Description of Memorial: The flag pole is located near the entrance to Our Mother of Sorrow Cemetery in Finch Hill, Carbondale PA. It is near the grave site of Gino and Mary Merli, the donor of the flag pole. I saw the Veterans Memorial when I visited the grave site of Gino Merli. Wars mentioned (Multi-war only): Not listed

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Date Logged Log   10/28/2021 Don.Morfe visited it