Sergeant Philias J. Verrette Monument

The momument honors Massachusetts National Guard Sergeant Philias J. Verrette who served during World War II. He was born in Canada on January 13^th, 1922, but he lived in Salem for the majority of his life. He served with the Company I, 119^th Infantry Regiment, 30^th Infantry Division during the war. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, and several campaign medals including the European Campaign Medal with 5 Battle Stars. He bravely fought in the battles of Normandy, St. Lo, Mortain, Aachen, and the Bulge. 

While serving in Europe, Sergeant Verrette served in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. His Silver Star was awarded for his action on February 24^th, 1945, in which he manned a machine gun to protect his fellow soldiers against several German attacks. While being surrounded, he maintained fire on the enemy until the battalion could provide relief.

After the war, he worked for Mason Tanning in Salem, Bill’s Lunch in Lynn, and later for Salem State College, where he retired after 17 years. He was a life member of the 30^th Infantry Division Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and VFW Witch City Post 1524. He passed on October 26^th, 2009.

The monument was dedicated in his honor on May 14^th, 2011 by the grateful citizens of Salem.