Manuel John Pimentel, a brave World War II veteran from Massachusetts who was previously reported missing, will be honored with a funeral on Monday. 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, Pimentel was believed to have been buried in a marine cemetery on the island. However, independent research project Missing Marines shared details of his 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 post-war expeditions in 1947 and 1949 proved futile. He was memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines until a recent excavation in Medford uncovered his remains. Pimentel 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 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.