The intersection of Adams Street and Centre Street was designated a Hero Square for Michael Dalton in 2021.
Dalton lived at 17 East Cottage Street, Roxbury. William F. Dalton was attached to Co L, 262d Infantry. He shipped overseas in November 1944 on the Belgian sip S. S. Leopoldville, which was hit in the English Channel.
Hero Square at Adams and Centre dedicated to soldier lost at sea in WWII, article in the Dorchester Reporter. By Daniel Sheehan, Reporter Staff. June 2, 2021
On Memorial Day, Mayor Kim Janey joined other elected officials, veterans, and family members at the corner of Adams and Centre streets in Dorchester to dedicate a new “Hero Square” that recalls the life and death US Army Sgt. William Dalton, who grew up close to the intersection.
He enlisted on April 8, 1943 and went on to serve in the 66th Infantry Division and the 262nd Infantry Regiment during World War II.
He was reported missing in action and presumed dead on Dec. 24, 1944, when a German submarine torpedoed the passenger ship he was aboard, the SS Leopoldville. Dalton was awarded a purple heart for his service to his country.
“Today, we recognize and remember his sacrifice and the sacrifices made by so many in the defense of freedom,” said Janey in her remarks.
Since the first ceremony of its kind in 1898, the city has dedicated 1,200 Hero Squares across the city, with the goal of educating communities about the history of military service in their own neighborhoods.
To learn more about the program and to access the Hero Square Database, visit boston.gov.
Erin Murphy, a Dorchester resident who is running for an at-large seat on the Boston city council, told the Reporter she was honored to be in attendance on Monday. Murphy said she knew the Dalton family from the neighborhood and had several family members in her classroom as a BPS teacher at the Murphy School.
“The Dalton family was very proud and honored to have their loved one be remembered and have this spot in the neighborhood that they could visit or drive by and feel proud,” said Murphy. “They are a big family and almost all of them came out to participate in this ceremony…the event was another reminder of all the great people in the city who must be remembered and honored for their service and ultimate sacrifice every day, not just on Memorial Day.”
Since the first ceremony of its kind in 1898, the city of Boston has dedicated 1,200 Hero Squares across the city, with the goal of educating communities about the history of service in their own neighborhoods.