SALEM — City officials dedicated Monday a city square in honor of a Salem native and U.S. Navy seaman who died while serving during WWII.
In a Memorial Day ceremony, the corner of English and Cousins streets was forever marked in the memory of Seaman 1st Class Anthony Frank Pydynkowski who died in 1942 after his ship was attacked off the coast of Australia.
“The tragedy of Seaman Anthony Pydynkowski’s death is only matched by the valor of his service and the depth of his patriotism,” Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. “The same can be said for all of our honored and lost soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, guardians, and coast guards.”
Pydynkowski was born in 1916 and initially served for six years in the Marine Corps. He enlisted in the Navy in March 1940 and was assigned to the USS William B. Preston, a destroyer, seaplane tender.
On Feb. 19, 1942, while at anchor off the coast of Australia, the USS Preston and the Allied fleet were attacked by a large force of Japanese bombers. The USS Preston was hit as it attempted to make for the open sea, resulting in 11 men killed, two missing, and three wounded, city officials said.
Pydynkowski, whose awards include the Purple Heart, the Victory Medal, and the American Defense Service Medal, suffered third-degree burns in the attack and later died of his injuries. He was buried at sea.
“The young men and women who sacrificed all across the different theaters of war did so with the hope that their descendants would be able to remain free and that we could liberate those around the world struggling against oppression,” State Rep. Manny Cruz said.
“As I think about Anthony Pydynkowski and his sacrifice, I can’t help but think of all of the service members who I know in my life who talk about their brothers and sisters in arms who they have lost, and the deep wounds that they still carry to this day.”
In addition to the intersection in Salem established as a veteran square in honor of Pydynkowski, his family was awarded the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty.
“This space now joins so many other sports around our city, intersections of roadways, but also intersections of memory and honor, named in recognition of sons and daughters of Salem who answered their nation’s calls and paid the utmost price,” Pangallo said.
“As you pass through these spaces, look up and reflect on the name that you see on the sign, the story behind that name, and on the sacrifice behind that story.”
The ceremony also included a presentation of a citation honoring Kim Emerling of Salem Veterans Services on behalf of the Massachusetts State House. Emerling was honored at the inaugural Military Appreciation Day hosted by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Gov. Maura Healey last week.
“We want to honor you for your service as a US Army command sergeant major, as well as your ongoing leadership in supporting Salem’s veterans and their families — ensuring that they are never forgotten,” Cruz said.
At the ceremony, the Salem High School band played the national anthem, Armed Forces Medley, and taps. School senior color guard captain Tanny Sanprasert recited the Gettysburg Address.
“When we think about our veterans who we’ve lost, those who were killed in battle defending our freedoms, they are more than just names on a wall sketched on a stone,” Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said.
“They were real people from Salem who stepped forward to raise their right hand and to make sure that not only was Salem and this country defended — but the world.”
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202