Manuel R. Rose Jr - Veterans

NEW BEDFORD — During the month of August, the 443rd flag atop Old Glory Tower in the North End honors the memory of World War II Army veteran Manuel R. Rose Jr., formerly of Dartmouth, who died Aug. 22, 2008, at the age of 86.

Sworn into the Army in October 1942, Rose was a rifleman for Company F, 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, serving in battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.

Rose was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Arrowhead, Bronze Star Medal, and Distinguished Unit Badge, in addition to the Purple Heart.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Dartmouth Finishing.

Rose was the husband of Lillian M. Rose and the father of Arthur S. Rose.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing with his great-grandson Austin.

The late Joseph Theodore, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient himself, began the practice of flying veterans' flags above Old Glory Tower 37 years ago. Linda Ferreira, a marketing representative at Ashley Ford in New Bedford, researches the life histories of area veterans, and Paul Neary, general manager of the dealership, raises the flags on the veterans' behalf.

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