A Dedham Man in the Army

Ed Monahan was born in 1916, and grew up in Dedham, MA. He was an accomplished singer, and worked as a store clerk throughout the Depression. In early 1941, he was drafted by the Army, and was assigned to Company G, of the 182nd Infantry Regiment. He scored exceptionally high on the Army's IQ test, a fact others in the company used to boast about to rival units. In this photo, Monahan poses with the others from Company G in their 1941 unit photo, in the back row, third from the right.

Leaving for War

The photo at right shows Monahan in the back yard of his family home in Dedham, likely just prior to the 182nd's departure for the Pacific.

Early Combat Experiences

Monahan was one of the junior soldiers in Company G, serving as a Private First Class during the 182nd's first combat experiences on Guadalcanal. He scouted the regiment's first foray into the jungle on November 18, 1942, alongside the 2nd Battalion commanding officer, Colonel Bernard Twombly.

In the undated photo at right, likely taken early in the war, Monahan is quoted, recalling a difficult experience. The photo and quote were published in the newsletter of his former employer, Ecco Stores. The hat on his head appears to be Japanese.

A Bronze Star

By the time of the battle for Hill 260 on Bougainville, Ed Monahan was a Technical Sergeant, serving as the senior NCO for the 1st Platoon of Company G. On March 11, 1944, the unit participated in a head-on assault on Japanese positions on the South Knob of the hill. They came under heavy fire and began to suffer casualties. Almost simultaneously, a Japanese attack from the top of the hill headed down towards them. In the ensuing battle, Monahan was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions in directing mortar fire, and helping to evacuate wounded in the American retreat that followed.

Wounded in Action

On March 20, 1944, during an assault on Japanese positions on Hill 260, Monahan was hit by grenade fragments. He did not initially notice the wound, only realizing he had been hit when he reached for his canteen and found his hand covered by blood. The telegram at right was delivered home to his father in Dedham. He was evacuated to a field hospital, and was later awarded a Purple Heart for this wound. He returned to Company G a few weeks later.

First Sergeant

In early February 1945, Ed Monahan became First Sergeant of Company G, the senior enlisted man in the unit. The order is signed by Captain John Murphy. During the war, Monahan had been considered for a battlefield commission, but he refused to consider the option. His position as both a platoon sergeant and later first sergeant still required a high level of responsibility from this soldier. Despite serving in the role of First Sergeant, Monahan was never promoted to the rank of First Sergeant, peaking at Technical Sergeant, one grade below.

A Warrior's Medals

Ed Monahan was decorated with awards for bravery and service, as an individual, and as a member of a unit. Top row (L-R: Bronze Star with V for heroism and an Oak Leaf Cluster, American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four battle stars and an arrowhead signifying an amphibious assault, Purple Heart, and the World War II Victory Medal. Bottom row (L-R: Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert M-1 Rifle, Distinguished Unit Emblem (blue), Presidential Unit Emblem - Navy, (Red, Yellow, Blue), and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two battle stars. Additionally shown are his dog tags and his Technical Sergeant rank shoulder insignia.

Survivor

Ed Monahan defied the odds and survived all four combat campaigns of the Americal Division. He spent nearly three and a half years overseas. But like most (possibly all, this is unconfirmed) of the men who served with the 182nd prior to Pearl Harbor, he never made it to the occupation of Japan. Monahan was sent home on points in May, 1945. In this post-war photo, Monahan's Combat Infantryman Badge - the mark of a soldier who has experienced battle - is displayed proudly on his left chest.

Married by Father Brock

Ed Monahan returned to his hometown of Dedham after the war, and spent the remainder of his life as a resident of that Boston suburb. He married a Dedham girl, Claire McNally, in January 1948. The wedding, seen at right, was held at St. Mary's Church in Dedham, and presided over by Monahan's comrade from the Pacific, Father Laurence Brock.

Reunion in Australia

In 1986, Ed Monahan and his wife went on a trip to Australia and New Zealand. They had a chance for a brief visit in Ballarat, and  visited with his schoolgirl friend from the war, Betty Wynn (left), and her brother Orm (right).

Monahan passed away a few years later, in December, 1991.