Jump to content

WWII 77th ID Severely wounded on Guam


ww2marine
 Share

Recommended Posts

 

This group belonged to Joseph J. Squillace From Hackensack, NJ. He married in 1936 and had two sons shortly thereafter. When the war broke out, he was working for Swift & Co in Hackensack, but quickly enlisted in the Army on  April 1st, 1942. Joe would be assigned to Co L. 305th Infantry, 77th Division. A natural leader, he was promoted to Sergeant the following year, and then to Platoon Sergeant in early 1944. Joe and the 305th then made their way to Eniwetok followed by Guam to meet the rest of the 77th for the assault landing on W-Day, July 21st 1944. The 305th would land on the beaches between Agat village and Bangi point. They would be in direct support of the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and would turn north to secure the Orote Penninsula. The 77th would then come together as a whole division and fight up the north eastern end of the island with the Marines pushing north on their left flank. The northern end of the island was less habited and was dotted with small villages and hamlets surrounded by dense jungle, hills and thick bushes. On August 7th, the 305th was pushing their way north toward Mt. Santa Rosa, where the bulk of Japanese forces were believed to be holding out. Joe Squillace was leading his men, when the Japanese opened fire with rifles and grenades from the position they prepared for ambush. All hell broke loose. Somewhere in the chaos of the fighting a grenade exploded near Joe peppering his right arm and face with shrapnel. The worst of it penetrating and destroying his right eye. The men fought like hell and were able to eliminate the ambush but not without great cost. 1 man lie dead, with Joe and six others severely wounded.

 

He would be evacuated from Guam and sent stateside where he would spend the next 527 recovering in the hospital. The doctors would remove what was left of his right eye. On January 17, 1946 he was discharged from the Army and returned to his wife and kids in Hackensack. 

 

A man of incredibly strong character, Joe wasn't about to let his newfound disability hold him back. After returning to Hackensack in 1946 he got a job in the local government as Hackensack's City Sanitarian. He would stay devoted to Hackensack and eventually rise up to the position of City Manager. He would retire from government in 1964 and would eventually pass away in 1989. 

 

Joe Squillace2.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Joe, as Hackensack's City Manager in 1964, and the big, beautiful golden book presented to him by the city upon his retirement

 

Joe Squillace10.jpg

Joe Squillace9.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...