Staten Island World War II Vet Receives Bronze Star with Valor from Secretary of Navy
Malliotakis requested Holihan be recognized for service in January
STATEN ISLAND, NY – Today, 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.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Staten Island Resident, and World War II Veteran Daniel L. Holihan, and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis pose for a picture alongside the USS Oak Hill after Holihan was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”. Image Credit – Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
“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.”
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Bronze Star Medal Recipient Daniel L. Holihan, and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis pictured with members of Holihan’s family, VFW Post 7172, and servicemembers in attendance for Fleet Week. Image Credit – Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
“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.”
Certificate from the President of the United States and Secretary of the Navy awarding Daniel L. Holihan the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for his heroic achievements during World War II. Image Credit – Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
Watch the video of the ceremony below:
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was sworn in on January 3, 2021 to represent Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. Prior to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 2, 2010, defeating a two-term incumbent. In the Assembly, she served as Minority Whip and the ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees. For five terms, Congresswoman Malliotakis fought to restore ethics in Albany, expand transit service in her district, improve programs for senior citizens, reform education and improve New York’s economic climate by reducing the tax burden on small businesses and residents. A cornerstone of her tenure was helping her community recover and rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In addition to advocating for these same issues in Washington, Congresswoman Malliotakis is acutely focused on securing New York’s fair share of federal mass transit funding, which would go towards expanding transportation services and easing traffic congestion, while also championing public safety by supporting our nation’s law enforcement officers. Congresswoman Malliotakis is the daughter of immigrants, her father from Greece and her mother a Cuban exile of the Castro dictatorship. She is currently the only Republican member representing New York City in Congress, representing a district spanning the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and the strengthening of animal cruelty laws, and in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her chihuahua, Peanut.