On Aug. 2, Daniel Falco died in Arizona. He was 91. Daniel was a Matawan Township lad of 18 years of age when he joined the U.S. Marines. During December of 1942, his 1st Marine Division was a part of the first United States offensive action taken during World War II. They went ashore in the Solomon Islands to retake the Japanese-held island of Guadalcanal.
Daniel was wounded in the battle. He and Harry Way of Keyport, who lost a leg while storming a Japanese machine gun nest, were sent home. When they arrived home, a big parade was staged to welcome them back home. All of the town’s schoolchildren, myself included, were let out of school to see the parade and cheer the two Marines home.
~Robert W. Holtz Sr.
Keyport
They were America’s heroes. Keep them in your prayers.
