By Natalia Knochowski, Staff Writer
MONROE — Dec. 22, 1944, 21-year-old Monroe resident Staff Sgt. Warren Southworth was killed in action in Germany while serving in the Army in World War II.
He was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart.
This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Sgt. Southworth will be awarded one more honor — the road off Avenue K leading into Veterans Park will be dedicated to him.
Sgt. Southworth was part of Company M, 347th Infantry Regiment.
According to an original document, provided by township historian John Katerba, that was sent to Sgt. Southworth’s brother, Paul, in October 1945, Sgt. Southworth “attempted to wipe out an enemy machine gun, but was mortally wounded while creeping up to the position, armed with only hand grenades.”
A sign saying “Warren M. Southworth, World War II, Killed in Action,” will be placed above the street sign.
Mr. Katerba said the dedication of the street came to be because four years ago, while Mr. Katerba was researching his book about the township’s history, he got a phone call from Margaret Daly, Sgt. Southward’s fiancé before his death.
She told Mr. Katerba she had photos of Sgt. Southworth — one specifically in which Sgt. Southworth is standing in front of an honor roll, which was basically a wooden sign that listed all the names of the soldiers from the township. That sign is no longer there.
”No one had ever recognized that he lived there,” said Ms. Daly, who has since married and had children, about why she decided to give the pictures to Mr. Katerba.
”There was a man who gave his life to the country,” she said. “It’s been 67 years. Before I left this world, I wanted to do something for him.”
She added, “It was very devastating” to lose Sgt. Southworth when she was 17 years old. “It was a first love. It’s hard to lose anyone, but it’s hard because he was so young.”
She will be at the dedication Veterans Day.
Also in attendance will be Sgt. Southworth’s nephew — his brother’s son — Paul Southworth, who said the dedication of the street will be a great tribute to his uncle and also will be a tribute to his father, who also served in World War II and died last December.
Mr. Southworth said his uncle was always a part of his life even though he was killed while Mr. Southworth was still an infant.
”My Uncle Warren and dad were very well know around the area so when I grew up, my uncle’s name would always come up,” Mr. Southworth said.
The dedication will take place at Veterans Park on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. No legal action had to be passed in order to dedicate the street after Sgt. Southworth, said Council President Gerald Tamburro, because it is just a road leading to the park.

