Staten Island Reporter

Malliotakis requested Holihan be recognized for service in January

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - On May 25, 2023, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at a ceremony awarding Staten Island resident and 100-year-old World War II veteran Daniel Lawrence Holihan the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," for his service as part of Underwater Demolition Team Thirteen in the Pacific Theatre Operations during World War II.

In January, Malliotakis wrote to the Secretary of the Navy requesting Mr. Holihan be honored for his service after members of VFW Post 7172 notified her office that Holihan was initially recommended for the award of the Bronze Star Medal, but never received the prestigious award because he was transferred to the East Coast at the end of the war.

"I join the Secretary of the Navy and the rest of New York’s 11th Congressional District in congratulating Mr. Daniel L. Holihan for receiving the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions and selflessness during World War II, as part of Underwater Demolition Team Thirteen," Congresswoman Malliotakis said. "I'm very proud of and grateful for Mr. Holihan’s service to our country and the bravery he displayed nearly 80 years ago. Yesterday, I took the opportunity to recognize Mr. Holihan’s courageous service in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, adding his story to the official Congressional Record. As we head into Memorial Day Weekend to honor those who did not return from war and gave the ultimate sacrifice, I also give thanks to service members like Mr. Holihan who were willing to give their lives but thankfully returned."

"I'm proud as 78th the Secretary of the Navy, to represent the nearly one million people who serve in our Department of the Navy - sailors, marines, and civilians - and to have that culminate here at Fleet Week in New York City is a unique and special honor," said Secretary Del Toro. "Of all the many activities that I'll be doing and have already done here at fleet week, I'm proudest of this moment right now. I want to thank the Congresswoman for having brought to my attention the case of this proud World War II veteran. I hand out a lot of awards to a lot of individuals - this is uniquely special."

WATCH THE CEREMONY HERE

Original source can be found here.