A small crowd gathered in Bantam, CT to pay their respects to a World War II Army veteran at the Veteran of the Month Ceremony Saturday.
U.S. Army Tech 4 Frederick C. Maurer was the 309th consecutive monthly veteran to be honored by American Legion Post 44.
Maurer was born September 8, 1922 in Bronx, New York to the late Fred and Helen Haller Maurer. He attended local public schools and upon completion of his education sought employment with Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company.
As WWII raged in Europe, Maurer enlisted in the Army on Jan. 4, 1943 at Camp Upton in Bronx and reported for duty seven days later. He trained as a communications technician and his military occupation is listed as Message Center Chief 674. He was dispatched to Houston and Camp Bowie near Brownwood, Texas and assigned to the newly formed 13th Armored Division as an instructor in communications handling.
“Post 44 of the American Legion is so very proud to have this opportunity to pay tribute to one of its own, United States Army Tech 4 Frederick C. Maurer,” said John Lilley, master of ceremonies. “His wealth was his smile and his word was his honor. We are proud to have been his comrade.”
Maurer was honorably discharged Feb. 28, 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey and returned to the Bronx. He was awarded the Rifleman’s Marksman Badge, the American Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Maurer resumed his career with the Atlantic & Pacific Grocery Division, managing stores in the Bronx and later becoming director of the New England Eight O’clock Coffee operations.
In 1951, he met and married Irene Zarzecki, and in 1952 their first daughter, Ann, was born followed in 1958 by their second daughter, Katherine.
Maurer died October 21, 2013, with his ashes interred in Woodland Cemetery in the Bronx. He is survived by his two daughters Ann Donahue and Kathleen Maurer and their respective spouses, Peter and John, two grandchildren Kate Laskowski and Peter Donahue and their spouses Matt and Lauren, a great grandson Peter Jeremiah, Frederick Donahue and his friend Aileen Arico.
“It’s an honor what the town does to raise the flag and recognize our veterans,” said Ann Donahue, daughter. “The recognition and determination to do this every month for veterans is outstanding.”
“It’s a great honor,” said Peter Donahue, grandson. “I live in New Jersey but I joined this post out of appreciation for my grandfather. My grandfather always talked about American Legion meetings and really enjoyed being a part of this post.”
A new flag will be flown at the All Wars Memorial in honor of Maurer until December 6, 2014.
