On Monday, a funeral will take place to remember 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.
Pimentel’s body was left where he fell following the firefight, and efforts to locate his remains in post-war expeditions were unsuccessful. Despite this, the website Missing Marines, an independent research project, shared details of Pimentel’s bravery and sacrifice during a crossfire incident with a Japanese military unit that resulted in his death.
Recently, an excavation in Medford uncovered Pimentel’s remains. He will now be laid to rest with full military honors at the Cambridge Cemetery. Flags have been lowered to half-staff on the day of the funeral as a 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.