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Home My Public Portal About2019-05-14 PFC Paul James Gorman TOWN OF WATERTOWN Office of the Town Manager 1630 ' Administration Building ! 149 Main Street Watertown,MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6465 www.watertown-ina.gov town mer@watertown-ma.eov Michael J. Driscoll Town Manager To: Honorable Town Council From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager Date: May 9, 2019 RE: Agenda Item—Acceptance of Proclamation Dedicating a Memorial Square to Private First Class Paul James Gorman Attached please find email correspondences from Patrick George,Veterans' Services Officer respectfully requesting a Memorial Square be dedicated to honor Private First Class Paul James Gorman-United States Marine Corps who was killed in action on July 30, 1968 while honorably serving our country in Viet Nam. The Memorial Square will be located at the corner of Emerson and Main Streets. For background purposes, I have included a copy of the Watertown Memorial and Dedications Policy that the Honorable Town Council adopted at the July 12, 2016 Town Council Meeting. I respectfully request the attached Proclamation honoring PFC Paul James Gorman be placed on the May 14, 2019 Town Council Agenda for your favorable consideration and action. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. cc: Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning/Assistant Town Manager Patrick George,Veterans' Services Officer Gerald S. Mee, Jr., Superintendent of Public Works Jesse L. Myott, Director of Administration and Finance, Department of Public Works 1630 �y M Proclamation Whereas: Paul James Gorman was lovingly raised along with his four siblings: Jack, Eugene, Bob, and Bonnie; by John and Madeline Gorman, who made their home on Emerson Road in Watertown, Massachusetts; and, Whereas: The Gorman children attended Watertown schools, were active in the community and both Paul and Bonnie Gorman were called to service in defense of the United States of America during the View Nam War; and, Whereas: The youngest Gorman son, Paul, enlisted in the Marine Corps September 12, 1967 and proceeded to Parris Island South Carolina to begin training as a Marine Corps 0341, Mortarman. PFC Gorman deployed overseas with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion 41h Marines 9th MAB FMFPAC, and on July 301h 1968, was killed in action while assaulting an enemy position in support of casualty evacuation operations; and, Whereas: On July 30, 1968, The President of the United States of America pursuant to authority vested in him by Congress awarded the Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh,New York, August 7, 1782 posthumously to Private First Class Paul J. Gorman, for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death on July 30, 1968; and, Whereas: PFC Gorman is buried in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown Massachusetts, alongside his loving parents. Now therefore be it resolved: that the Town Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown hereby honors and recognizes Private First Class Paul James Gorman for his ultimate sacrifice for this country, by naming the intersection of Main Street and Emerson Road in his honor "Private First Class Paul James Gorman Memorial Square." IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand and caused the Great Seal of the Town of Watertown to be affixed on this 14th day of May, 2019 Mark Sideris Town Council President TOWN OF WATERTOWN �1634':- Veteran Services ., i =_` Sty .,r • Administration Building t^c 149 Main Stteet Watertown,MA 02472 - Phone; 617-972.6416 Fax: 617-924-0858 www:water town-ma,gov MEMORANDUM To: Michael J.Driscoll,Town Manager From: Patrick George,Veterans' Services Officer Date: May 2,2019 Subject: Appropriate Public Dedication for Paul J,Gorman(I<JA-Marine Corps) t On May 1, 2019 Bonnie Gorman requested the Town of Watertown identify and dedicate a public street or square in honor of her brother,Private First Class(PFC)Paul J, Gorman, Paul was a Marine who gave his life in service to his country. Bolmie herself served her country; as a Sailor forward deployed on a hospital ship in Viet Nam. ; t PFC Gorman lived on 23 Emerson Road in Watertown,he was a graduate of Watertown High School; a copy of the Class of 1966 Yearbook is held in the historical preset vation room in the Watertown Library.Following E his graduation,Paul and several friends decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. P On July 301968,only four days after his 20a`birthday,PFC Gorman was tragically killed by enemy fire in the Quang Tri Province of Viet Nam along with three other Marines:PFC William R.Almon,of Auburn,ME;PFC Jerry L,Patterson,of Checotah,OK,and PFC Floyd E. Sellers,of Caryville,FL.PFC Gorman was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam { Service Medal Distinguished Unit Citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Good Conduct and Medal f Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, PFC Gorman is buried in Section M of the Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown,MA. i In accordance with the"Watertown Memorials and Dedications"policy adopted on July 12,2016,1 respectfully submit that PFC Gorman fulfills all of the griteria established for a formal dedication and would request the town proceed to identify an appropriate location for his memorial. The verified documentation is attached for your review. . As the Veterans' Services Officer I remain committed to ensuring the Veterans of Watertown are supported to the best ofmy abilities,and are appropriately honored once they have passed. I will be happy to assist in any way I can. CC: Thomas J.Tracy,Town Auditor/Assistant Town Manager Steven Magoon,Director of Community Development and Planning/Assistant Town Manager i t George, Patrick From: bonnie gorman <bonniegormanl@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 01,2019 9:42 AM To: George, Patrick Subject: Watertown resident PFC Paul James Gorman USMC killed in action 7130/68 As a Gold Star family, the Gorman family would like to request a Gold Star memorial for Paul. Paul was born and died as a Watertown resident at 23 Emerson Rd. His parents lived there until their deaths. (John died in 1996 when we sold the house.) All are buried at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown Paul was a graduate of Watertown High School, class of 1966. He graduated from St Patrick's grammar school. He was active at both St Patrick's and St Jude's parishes where he was an alter boy. .Paul was easygoing teenager who was active in community sports, and baseball was a passion. He•had many friends who loved to hangout and listen to trending music. Getting his,license was a milestone for him, He was not ready for college. He wanted to something more exciting after graduation, so he signed up with the Marines much to the distress of family. Paul was Killed in.Action along the DMZ on July 30,1968,just in time to celebrate his 20ieth birthday.Not may teenagers lived to snake it home that year or many other years, as we have now moved to a state of never-ending war. Paul's death was followed by mom's massive heart attack and total disability until her death.Like so many Gold Star Mothers,she too died of a broken heart. Paul was the youngest of five children: Jack (deceased), Eugene, and twins Bob and Bonnie (aka Mary). Bonnie was also a Navy Nurse in the VietNam Med Evac Hospital Network(ICU,Med Evac,VietNam Medic Training program). I have given Patrick George all of the military and civil documents and media coverage at the time, as well as photos and letters. I can provide any additional materials you may need. I'm sending you my'Letter to Paul' to let him know of Marine Mike Gorman's death, for more background on family for council and others. Thanks for the opportunity to honor Paul. Peace, Bonnie Gorman RN 222 Rock Island Rd Quincy MA 02169 617-472-4498 bonniegormant(Zr ginail.com Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 1 THE WHITE HOUSE wAsHnvGTort August 19, 1968 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gorman: I was deeply distressed to learn of the death of your son, Private First Class haul J. Gorman. Calling on young Americans to suffer great pain, and even loss of life in Vietnam is the most agonizing responsibility of my office, Yet I know that your son was a brave man, whose honor and love for his country will continue to preserve the right of all people to remain free. I pray God will grant you comfort at this time of sorrow and strength for the days ahead. Sincerely, r Mr. and Mx s, John T, Gorman 23 Emerson Road Watertown, Massachusetts w \ lZ Zito Kai r \ •fit \ � nsm9iap r r t�lll ti41 rd Nx 114 dtsd+at \ •l ' �� tlt5 Il 8.71f� RN is �'ls C � P, iJL J A S 2 (A36 621 36 801.9 N ($urnamb) (Ghrwan gama) my OmW number) udence 2�treet aena�h�oL bed. (To"Wat city) L (C,uun .dd. s~(state) EnhAedkkOh ...L„J=dKX (Dater and , ) 12 Sept. 67 Waltham, Maas. to Component force. USMC Active duty began (Date) 12, Sept. 67 Barn 1n Boston , Mass. ]date of birth or age. 26 Jul, 48 organizati*us: BLT 2/4 gvmB FmFpAC PPo 9FRAN 96602 . CAM } td Grades: PFC # W fNAM Engagements t Wounds or other miu3nes remvcd in aet1 w: SERVICE P (over) ��4 Served oversem k'i'= to iaa ter inatcd— nraorabiy—�pq ,��! w�:L'w14�� , h�� 1. (Date) 8/i/6 at Vietnam by reason ofKIA(H) None and address of Un and Matfonahf, :Mr. Mrs* John T. Gorman M same add. AGO MASS, 151 5OM-2-60-927141 (BenoiiaxiCe on reverse side) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY HEADQUARTERS UNI1C:0 STATES MARINE CORPS WASHINGION, 0. C, 20380 11EPCAt,Nt Apt AND TYPE DATL PREPARED REPORT Of CASUALTY 4201 68 FINAL ,JDHJdcs � 6Aug68 1. lERVII;[ IDEMT IF 1CAT iDP1 Wait, StrVltt NOAItr, Cr*00 or Palo. CONPA%-�I, Xr4Rt4 Mi DPjaniAati.a) BLT 2A 9TSMAB 1!MFPAC t GORMAN Paul Games 2394236J0341, pFG „ USMC I'E'0 RAN„- , SF 96602 •. ,. 11. CASUALTY IYATus aATTLE I f NON.eATTI.E KIA Died 30Ju168 Quang Tri Province (01) Republic of Vietnam result gunshot hound r_o the head from hostile rifle fire while on operation 0. DATE A110 PLACE Or fifty", RACE, RCLIGIDUS PRLFEAENCE, AND DAYS 0t RECORD Or EMEAGENFY DATA 26J'u148 Boston Mass Gau G 12Sep67 t, DATE AND PLACE Of LAST ANTRY ON ACTIVE DUTY IN CURRENT $T►TUS ANO HOME OF RECORO AT TIME 12Sep67 Banton Mass Watertown Middlesex Mass f S, SOCIAL SECUntyY MUMNER, PAY GRADC, LENGTH OF SERVICE FOD PAY, OASIC PAY, INCENTIVE PAY CHtCR IF•APPIICAIilI~ "� 021-36-8019 E-2 Under 2 PIP 113.40 HFP 65�00 FD1' 8.00, I ❑ CN£w �'KON,-CRE* 1. DUTY STATUS — ACTIVE' On Duty Date Arr RVN Olav6b INTEPE!,Vt0 PERSONS (NAat, Addrtlt, Rr1.1. "AhiFl Footnotes Mr John-T Gorman 23 Emerson Rd Fath 1 Watertown Mabs 02172 Mrs Madeline E Gorman Address Above Moth S. WORT FDA VA TO FOL1.0IE E. REPORTING C"ANO AND DATC Rti'"T ACCtIVED IN DEPARTMENT El YES ® No GTG 79.4 301521Z JUL68 RCD 31Ju 168 10. SELECTIVE SERVICE NtNABER, LOCAL DOAAD. AND LOCATION (if .AAnusn, rnlrr daft and Plat* of firal #AtrY IN ArMnE Sarviftt) 19,,16•,48-526 #16 Arling'Con MgS6 rT; PRIOR 5ERVICt DATA ❑ YES No 11. AFUARX5 CM I ri F•OOTNOTI S: . .. (Admit a.Ar of Ai■, Imenr Jiatary Jar 4rat.1(Y Tay In tVrAl yhtrr it RA Aar.IaiRlt a(I. or*Ai IJ.a. J.tipited Pn rrr►rd of rarrkrnrF 114t4. j8.n0fi.(arY Jar MaPai1 0.1 aai .ilV►.wc..-ay J.Eita.ttEll tal7 a t rlEn<1 dATA. 13, Dt5TR1i�HTI1N1' 14, SIGNATUREr JADI, CASIJALTY G. K. HALEYRST 1,1EUTENAN'T, DSMCB ASSISTANT TOE SECTION PERSONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS DD • Falu 13Db A-9797 1 MAA . TOWN OF 1b;5u WATERTOWN Veterans' Services Administration Building 149 Main Street \ fir Watertown,Massachusetts 02472 Phone: 617-972-6416 Cell:781-645-9127 Fax: 617-972-6403 www.watertown-ma.gov Watertown Veteran Memorials and Dedications This policy covers the issuance and presentation of Memorials and Dedications in the community to include sidewalk signs, Street dedications, Square dedications, Stones, Plaques, Parks and Buildings. To be considered for a Veteran Memorial or Dedication, the individual to be honored must meet the following requirements: • Watertown resident at the time of enlistment into the Armed Forces • Veteran Killed in Action(KIA) Or • Medal of Honor Recipient The Process for Veterans Memorials and Dedications • All requests for Veterans' Memorials must be submitted through the Veteran's Services Officer. • A member of the family must make a written request indicating the name of the Veteran, service,rank and area of designation along with proof that the veteran was a Watertown resident at the time of enlistment,billed in action(KIA), or a Medal of Honor Recipient. Examples include: newspaper clipping, telegram, notice of death, DD-214 stating the veteran was killed in action, etc. • The Veteran's Services Officer will verify the applicant's eligibility. • The Veteran's Services Officer will forward the completed request to the Town Council. • The Town council shall approve or disapprove any Memorial or Dedication by resolution. • The Town Manager,upon approval by the Town council, shall implement.the Memorial or Dedication requested. • The name is then placed on a permanent list of Memorial dedications tracked by the Veteran's Services Department. • The Veteran's Services Officer shall be the caretaker of all Veteran Memorials. ADOPTED BY WATERTOWN TOWN COUNCIL JULY 12, 2016 Mail the application and all supporting documents to: ATTN: Watertown Veterans' Services Department Memorial and Dedications 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472