Image no. 22712
William Gary Walsh Square
the City’s website says the square is located on the Expressway, south bound near the Keystone building.
Walsh Park is a playground at 967 Washington Street (south of Gallivan Boulevard)
The re-designated square in 2023 is in an island in the middle of Gallivan Boulevard, but the City plans to move the square to place it in front of Walsh Park.
Dorchester Reporter, November 1, 2023
“In 1946, one year after Walsh was killed, the Hero Square was dedicated. Parts of the family moved on to Milton and others to West Roxbury, eventually spreading as far as Worcester.
Family members said during Walsh’s life, his parents lived at 842 Washington St., but later moved down Washington Street closer to the city park that now bears his name.
Family members, including Rich Gormley of West Roxbury and Mark Smith of Stoughton, filled in the details of Walsh – which have largely been lost. The family immigrated from Ireland to East Boston, then later to Roxbury and on to Dorchester. In 1946, one year after Walsh was killed, the Hero Square was dedicated. Parts of the family moved on to Milton and others to West Roxbury, eventually spreading as far as Worcester.
“Family members said during Walsh’s life, his parents lived at 842 Washington St., but later moved down Washington Street closer to the city park that now bears his name.
“William G. Walsh was on a baseball team and the whole team went and signed up together,” said family member Mark Smith. “They went the day after Pearl Harbor, and they all waited out¬side of the office until it opened up so they could sign up.”
“Walsh was 18 when he signed up for the Marines, starting duty on Jan. 6, 1942. He was killed on Feb. 27, 1945, while serving in the Pacific Theatre in a famed battalion known as “Carlson’s Raiders.” He left behind his wife, Mary Louise. The Neponset River Bridge from Dorchester to North Quincy is named after another Walsh, the Rev. Cormac Walsh – the most decorated chaplain during the Korean War.”
City of Boston website:
“William G. Walsh was born on April 7, 1922 in Roxbury, MA. He attended public schools in Boston before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on January 6, 1942 and began active duty that same day. William served as Gunnery Sergeant in the 2nd Raider Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, and the 5th Marine Division.
From Camp Lejeune, he went to Samoa and was assigned to a unit of Marine scouts. His next assignment was with the 2nd Marine Raider battalion, the famed Carlson’s Raiders. During the United States’ war with Japan in the Pacific, he saw action at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, and in the Russell Islands. He was killed in action at Iwo Jima, while leading his men against a fortified hill on February 27, 1945, he threw himself on a hand grenade, sacrificing his life to save the lives of fellow Marines. William was survived by his wife Mary Louise and family, residents of Roxbury.”