Had the Honor to spend time with Jean Roman, Sister of MIA Tarawa Marine PFC Michael L. Salerno
During my interview Jean shared many of the family mementos including the telegram her mother Mary Salerno received stating that PFC Michael L. Salerno was now listed as Missing In Action.
Michael grew up in the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia, PA
Mike with Marine buddies in San Diego
Private First Class (PFC) Michael Leo Salerno entered the U.S. Marine Corps from Pennsylvania and served in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced on December 17, 2018 that Marine Corps Pfc. Michael L. Salerno, 19, of Philadelphia, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Sept. 27, 2018.
On November 20, 1943, PFC Salerno participated in the invasion of Betio Island, the largest island in the Japanese-held Tarawa Atoll. His company was ordered to land on a heavily-fortified stretch of the coast known as "the Pocket."
Marine Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Diaz was escort for PFC. Michael L. Salerno from Hawaii to Philadelphia, never leaving Michael's side.
During this landing, Company K encountered intense enemy fire, and PFC Salerno was killed in action. He was buried in a temporary cemetery on Betio Island, but could not be identified from among the remains disinterred from the island after the war.
Among the remains recovered from Betio, however, were more than ninety sets of unidentifiable remains. These were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as "unknowns."
In 2016, DPAA received permission to disinter all Tarawa unknowns for analysis. DPAA analysts subsequently identified one of the Tarawa unknowns as PFC Salerno.
PFC Michael Leo Salerno return home, dignified transfer took place on 25 April 2019.
Many other Veterans came to pay there respects and helped to comfort the family.
Cousin Frank Salerno (father was brother of Michael Salerno) provided DNA along with Michael's sisters Jean Roman and Julie Salerno's DNA helped to positively identify Michael's remains.
Jean Roman, Sister of Tarawa Marine PFC Michael L. Salerno
Marine escort Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Diazfor for PFC Michael L. Salerno offers a salute to his brother Marine.
The funeral procession passed by Michael’s old Home on the way to the cemetery.
PFC Michael L. Salerno, USMC, burial took place on 27 April 2019, at
Saint Dominic's Cemetery, 8504 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136
Michael was buried along side his parents at Saint Dominic's Cemetery, 8504 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA.
Marine carry team brings PFC Michael L. Salerno to his burial site.
Ceremonial folding of the flag
Michael’s fold flag is now presented to the officer of the day
Michael’s fold flag is now presented to his sister Jean Roman.
"On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps."
Officer of the day salutes Michael’s burial flag
Jean Roman places a blue carnation on her brother Michael’s casket
Cousin Sam Gabriel and family placing their carnations
Sharing happy memories of Michael
Jean Roman with Michael’s Marine escort Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Diazfor
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