NORTH BRUNSWICK – Two more streets in North Brunswick will bear the names of veterans.
Torre Way, at the intersection of Linwood Place and Carpenter Road, and Nowitzke Way, at the intersection of Potomac Avenue and Redmond Street, were named for the late Joseph Victor Torre and William J. Nowitzke, respectively, during special ceremonies on Sept. 5.
Torre was born on Nov. 7, 1918, in Bronx County, New York. He began his service in the U.S. Army in January 1941 after serving three years in the National Guard. He was a surgical technician with Company A, 199th Medical Battalion, 44th Infantry Division who served in World War II, primarily in France, according to a proclamation read in his honor.
Torre was awarded one of the first Silver Star Medals given by the 44th Infantry Division at age 26 for his heroic evacuation of nine wounded men through heavy artillery fire despite his own injury of a broken hand, according to the proclamation.
His numerous medals and honors include the EAME (European-African-Middle Eastern) Service Ribbon, Three Bronze Service Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, Two Purple Hearts, the American Defense Service Ribbon and the Silver Star Medal.
He was honorably discharged on Oct. 4, 1945.
Torre worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years before retiring in 1980.
He was an active member of the Holy Name Society through Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick.
He passed away on Oct. 13, 1986, at his home on Carpenter Road. He was married to Jennie (Schepis) on Sept. 18, 194,9 and has two sons, John A. married to Mary Lynn and Joseph F. married to Margaret. They also have seven grandchildren.
Nowitzke was born on April 19, 1929, in New Brunswick. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a sergeant in the Third Infantry Division.
He earned the Army Commendation Medal for his brave action during one of the bloodiest battles of the war, Outpost Harry. He volunteered to defend the outpost for seven days and nights, fighting off nightly attacks from the enemy, according to the proclamation read in his honor.
He received numerous medals for his service which include the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and one Overseas Bar as well as Distinguished Unit Citations.
Nowitzke moved to North Brunswick in 1960 and worked for his father’s business, Joseph F. Nowitzke Excavating of North Brunswick and Atlas Concrete Company before retiring in 1995. He was a member of the North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, a member of the Eagles Athletic Club in New Brunswick and was active in the North Brunswick Little League.
Nowitzke was married to Olga (Demetzky) for 56 years and they have four children: Kathleen married to Albert, Eileen, Donald W. married to Kathy and Michael P. married to Lisa. They also have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.