On Monday, a funeral will take place to pay tribute to Manuel John Pimentel, a brave World War II veteran from Massachusetts who was previously reported missing. Pimentel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1939 and tragically lost his life in action on September 24, 1942, during the battle of Guadalcanal.
Despite efforts by the Department of Defense to locate his remains on the island where he was believed to have been buried, Pimentel’s body remained missing for many years. However, recent excavations in Medford have uncovered his remains, and he will now be laid to rest with full military honors at the Cambridge Cemetery.
The Missing Marines website has shared details of Pimentel’s bravery and sacrifice during a crossfire incident with a Japanese military unit that resulted in his death. Pimentel’s body was left where he fell following the firefight, and attempts to locate his remains in post-war expeditions proved futile. He was memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines until now.
Flags have been lowered to half-staff on the day of the funeral to pay tribute to Pimentel’s service and sacrifice. The funeral service is scheduled for 11 am at Saint Joseph’s Church, followed by a funeral procession to the cemetery in Cambridge. This final tribute honors Pimentel’s memory and service to his country.