As Memorial Day approaches, always a time to remember and honor fallen soldiers, it’s also presents a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge soldiers past and present who are right here to thank.
So, it’s timely on the part of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, who joined the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro during a ceremony at the Stapleton Homeport Pier on Thursday, to award Daniel Lawrence Holihan, a 100 year-old World War II veteran and a Staten Islander, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V.”
Holihan was presented with the award for his service as part of Underwater Demolition Team Thirteen in the Pacific Theatre Operations during World War II.
Congresswoman Malliotakis also took the opportunity to recognize Mr. Holihan’s courageous service in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, thereby adding his story to the official Congressional Record.
In January, Malliotakis wrote to the Secretary of the Navy requesting that Holihan be honored for his service after members of VFW Post 7172 notified her office that he was initially recommended for the award of the Bronze Star Medal — but never received the prestigious award because he was transferred to the East Coast at the end of the war.
“I join the Secretary of the Navy and the rest of New York’s 11th Congressional District in congratulating Mr. Daniel L. Holihan for receiving the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions and selflessness during World War II, as part of Underwater Demolition Team Thirteen,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “I’m very proud of and grateful for Mr. Holihan’s service to our country and the bravery he displayed nearly 80 years ago. Yesterday, I took the opportunity to recognize Mr. Holihan’s courageous service in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, adding his story to the official Congressional Record. As we head into Memorial Day Weekend to honor those who did not return from war and gave the ultimate sacrifice, I also give thanks to service members like Mr. Holihan who were willing to give their lives but thankfully returned.”
“I’m proud as the 78th the Secretary of the Navy, to represent the nearly one million people who serve in our Department of the Navy — Sailors, Marines, and civilians — and to have that culminate here at Fleet Week in New York City, is a unique and special honor,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Of all the many activities that I’ll be doing and have already done here at Fleet Week, I’m proudest of this moment right now. I want to thank the Congresswoman for having brought to my attention the case of this proud World War II veteran. I hand out a lot of awards to a lot of individuals — this is uniquely special.”
