SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick recently honored a World War II veteran during a Veteran Street Sign Dedication Ceremony held over the weekend.
On Saturday, veteran Salvatore A. DiMattina was honored with a sign at the intersection of Kingsley Road and Berwick Road in Kendall Park.
Family members, including his daughter Cushla Bowman and grandson Joseph Rullo, friends, neighbors, township officials, veterans’ organizations, and community members gathered to recognize DiMattina’s service and sacrifice through the Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, which permanently commemorates local wartime veterans by placing honorary street signs along municipal roadways.
Representing the township were Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Councilwoman Archana “Ann” Grover, Councilwoman Patty Germain, and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack.
DiMattina served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, entering active duty on April 23, 1942.
Assigned to Engineer Aviation Battalions within the Ninth Air Force, including the 834th Engineer Aviation Battalion and Headquarters Company, 877th Airborne Aviation Engineer Battalion, he participated in some of the most significant campaigns of the European Theater, including Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.
During the D-Day invasion, he stormed the beaches of Normandy as Allied forces began the liberation of Europe.
Corporal DiMattina served overseas for more than three years and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead, and the Good Conduct Medal for his honorable and meritorious service.
Saturday's ceremony opened with welcoming remarks recognizing DiMattina’s courage and dedication, followed by an invocation from Kendall Park resident and Pastor of Jacob’s Well Church, Scott Jones.
American Legion Commander Jimmy Chin led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared DiMattina’s military history before remarks from Mayor Charlie Carley and the reading of the official Township resolution by Councilwoman Ann Grover.
DiMattina’s daughter, Cushla Bowman, shared remarks about her father’s life and legacy before unveiling the commemorative street sign alongside family members.
“So much of the good in a place like ours, we owe to people like Sal DiMattina — people who never ask to be noticed. People who go when their country needs them. Who keep faith with their families. Who watch over their neighbors,” Mayor Charlie Carley said. “South Brunswick is the town we love because Sal DiMattina's family is part of it.”
The Veteran Street Sign Program was established by South Brunswick to honor residents who served during wartime and to preserve their stories for generations to come.
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