Memorial Day Tributes To Connecticut’s Fallen From the Civil War To Current.

We honor the courageous sacrifice of Private Henry Aldrich

On this Memorial Day, we honor the courageous sacrifice of Private Henry Aldrich, Co. K, who was born in Massachusetts around 1821. He married Sarah Peck on March 10, 1849, in Vernon, Connecticut. Enrolled on July 24, 1862, Henry, a blacksmith employed at the Bristol Brass and Clock Company, bravely mustered on August 24, 1862, only to meet his fate at Antietam, Maryland, on September 17, 1862.

First Lieutenant Julian Pomeroy, also from Bristol, conveyed the heart-wrenching news to Sarah Peck Aldrich, describing how Henry fell at his post during the devastating battle, where the noble 16th Regiment suffered greatly. “He was a good soldier, and all the company liked him,” wrote Lieutenant Pomeroy, highlighting Henry’s dedication and bravery. “He fought and fell like a brave man. None could do more.”

Today, we remember Private Henry Aldrich’s selfless service and ultimate sacrifice. His name is etched into the annals of history, and his memory lives on in the tranquil hills of Antietam National Cemetery, where he rests alongside comrades who also gave their all for a cause greater than themselves. As Lieutenant Pomeroy expressed, “His mortal remains will rest there as quietly as in New England.”

We honor the courageous sacrifice of John B. Healey

On this Memorial Day, we honor the courageous sacrifice of John B. Healey, who at the tender age of 14 enlisted in the 102nd Regiment and gave his life for his country during World War I. Despite his youth, his bravery stood tall, earning him the title of the youngest soldier in his regiment. His determination to serve, coupled with his “great size and robust appearance,” propelled him through physical exams and into the ranks of heroes. Healey’s story, alongside those of his comrades Harry R. Bartlett, Cortland V. Birdsell, William Corcoran, and John Liedke, reminds us of the profound impact of war on small communities like East Haven. As we gather around the monuments erected in their honor, let us also remember the families who entrusted their sons to the call of duty, and the sacrifices made for the freedoms we cherish today.

In loving memory and profound gratitude, we honor the remarkable life and service of PFC Anthony Peter Szabanowski, a valiant WWII Veteran whose bravery and sacrifice epitomize the spirit of heroism.

Born on August 28, 1912, in Westport, Connecticut, Anthony was the youngest son of Konstanty and Marianna Szabanowski. Despite the early loss of his father, Anthony grew up resilient under the care of his mother and step-father, Aleksander Milewski, on a dairy farm near Lisbon, Connecticut. As the Great Depression swept the nation, Anthony persevered, working in a cotton mill and later as a driver for the state highway department to support his growing family.

In 1938, Anthony married Genevieve Dubrowski, and together they nurtured a loving home on Versailles Road in Lisbon. Their family expanded with the arrival of twins in 1940 and another son in 1943. Despite the challenges of the times, Anthony remained steadfast in his commitment to his family and community.

Answering the call of duty, Anthony was drafted into the military in August 1943. Trained and deployed to the European theater, he served with distinction as a member of L Company, 116th Infantry. His courage and dedication were evident as he fought alongside his comrades, facing the perils of war with unwavering resolve.

On November 21, 1944, during a fierce battle, PFC Szabanowski was recorded as missing in action. Though his body was not immediately recovered, his memory was honored at the Netherlands American Cemetery, where his name was inscribed on the tablets of the missing.

Decades later, in 1973, closure came to Anthony’s family as his remains were finally located and identified. With solemn reverence, he was repatriated and laid to rest with full military honors in the Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale, New York.

PFC Anthony Peter Szabanowski’s legacy of selflessness, sacrifice, and valor will forever endure as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Greatest Generation. May his memory be a source of inspiration and his service never be forgotten.

In loving remembrance, we pay tribute to Corporal Benjamin “Benny” Bazzell, a courageous son of Seymour, Connecticut, whose valor and sacrifice exemplify the highest ideals of service to country.

At just 18 years old, Corporal Bazzell bravely answered the call to defend freedom during one of the early, pivotal battles of the Korean War. Assigned to Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, he stood among the valiant soldiers who faced the brutal conditions and fierce enemy opposition at the Chosin Reservoir.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, known as “frozen Chosin” due to the merciless cold, bore witness to the indomitable spirit of Corporal Bazzell and his comrades. Against overwhelming odds, they displayed unwavering resolve and selflessness in the face of grave danger.

Tragically, on November 30, 1950, Corporal Bazzell made the ultimate sacrifice near Chosin Reservoir. His bravery and devotion to duty will forever be etched in the annals of history, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers and to the principles for which they fought.

For decades, Corporal Bazzell’s fate remained shrouded in uncertainty as he was listed as Missing in Action. It wasn’t until 2018, following diplomatic efforts and a summit with the United States, that his remains, among 55 others, were repatriated by North Korea. This poignant moment brought closure to his family, particularly his sister, Beverly Guliuzza, who had spent seven decades longing for news of her beloved brother.

Benny’s memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, remembered not only for his bravery on the battlefield but also for his kindness and warmth in the hearts of those who loved him. His legacy serves as a reminder of the profound sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our nation in times of conflict.

Though gone, Corporal Benjamin “Benny” Bazzell’s spirit endures, a beacon of courage and resilience for generations to come. May his memory be a blessing, and may his sacrifice never be forgotten.

In Memory of Richard P. Caputo: A Hero Remembered

In the quiet corners of history, there are names etched with valor and sacrifice. One such name, Richard P. Caputo, echoes through time, a testament to courage and devotion. Born on April 25, 1948, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Richard’s journey was marked by a profound sense of duty and love for his country.

Richard’s story intertwines with the fabric of a nation torn by the winds of conflict. In 1968, amidst the tranquil backdrop of a family picnic, Richard stood at the threshold of a journey fraught with peril and purpose. Drafted into service the previous December, Richard had recently exchanged vows with his childhood sweetheart, Ann Gesauldi. As the specter of war loomed large, their gathering was tinged with a solemnity that belied the usual mirth of such occasions.

With a heavy heart but steadfast resolve, Richard embarked on his journey to Vietnam. His rank as a Private First Class and his specialization as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist reflected his commitment to defend freedom’s cause. Deployed on July 11, 1968, Richard embraced his duty with unwavering courage.

Tragically, on September 22, 1968, in the province of Hua Nghia, South Vietnam, Richard’s life was cut short by the ravages of war. Amidst the chaos of battle, he fell victim to small arms fire, leaving behind a legacy etched in sacrifice and honor.

Richard P. Caputo’s memory endures, not merely as a name on a wall, but as a symbol of selflessness and bravery. His name graces Panel 43W-Row 061 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, a sacred testament to the price of freedom.

Beyond the confines of time and space, Richard’s spirit lives on, a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. As we honor his memory, let us also remember the families who bore the weight of his loss, whose grief is as timeless as the valor he displayed.

Though decades have passed since Richard’s sacrifice, his legacy remains etched in the annals of history, a poignant reminder of the debt owed to those who gave their all for the sake of liberty. In the quietude of remembrance, we pay tribute to a son, a husband, a soldier—Richard P. Caputo—a hero forever enshrined in the hearts of a grateful nation.

Remembering Major Stephen C. Reich: A Memorial Day Tribute

In solemn remembrance, we honor the life and service of Major Stephen C. Reich, born May 22, 1971, and tragically taken from us on June 28, 2005, in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while courageously leading a mission to rescue a Navy SEAL team.

Hailing from Washington Depot, Connecticut, Major Reich dedicated himself to the defense of his country, serving four heroic tours of duty in Afghanistan. His final act of bravery occurred aboard a Chinook helicopter, where he and 15 fellow soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment valiantly faced enemy fire, sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.

A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Major Reich was not only a standout pitcher for the Army baseball team but also a decorated soldier, earning accolades including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Air Medal with Valor device.

Throughout his illustrious career, Major Reich exemplified the values of courage, integrity, and selflessness. His dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to his comrades-in-arms serve as a beacon of inspiration for all who follow in his footsteps.

As we pay tribute to Major Stephen C. Reich on this Memorial Day, let us also remember his beloved wife, Jill, and his devoted family, who continue to carry his legacy of service and sacrifice with grace and dignity.

May his memory be a blessing, and may we never forget the extraordinary sacrifice made by Major Reich and all those who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom.

The Connecticut Fallen Heroes remembered in this Memorial Day Tribute are only a few of many heroes lost in sacrifice for freedom. Please take the time to remember and honor all Fallen Heroes who these mentioned heroes represent.