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• Monday, September 15, 2014

  Flags at Hall Staff for World War II Vet

  Flags on state government buildings are being flown at half-staff today, September 15, in honor of a World War II soldier from Brooklyn whose remains were recently discovered and transported back to the United States. U.S. Army PFC Bernard Gavrin, 29, was last heard from in 1944 when he was reported missing in action during the battle for Saipan. His official burial was on September 12 at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

  “I ask all New Yorkers to join me in honoring PFC Gavrin’s memory, his service and his sacrifice,” noted Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

  On June 15, 1944, as part of an Allied strategic goal to secure the Mariana Islands, U.S. forces were ordered to occupy Saipan. After a month of intense fighting, enemy forces conducted a suicide assault, known as a banzai attack. This was designed to inflict as many casualties as possible against the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. During these attacks, elements of the 105th Infantry Regiment sustained heavy losses, with more than 900 soldiers killed or injured.

  PFC Gavrin was reported missing in action on July 7, 1944.