PRESS RELEASE
March 13, 2008

Legislature Honors Veterans of WWII Saipan Battle

The Rensselaer County Legislature honored two veterans of the World War II battle of Saipan at the March 11 legislative meeting, following the recognition of the county natives by state military officials.

Nicholas Grinaldo and Samuel Dinova received a standing ovation from county lawmakers at the legislative meeting. Both men served with Company C of the National Guard’s 105^th Infantry Regiment and the 27^th Infantry Division during the bloody Pacific battle in July 1944.

Grinaldo was recently the guest of honor at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs ceremony and received the Conspicuous Service Star. Despite being hit by machine gun fire and shrapnel, Ginaldo found a wounded Dinova and pulled him to safety. Grinaldo previously received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his action during the battle.

“These are two genuine American heroes who took part in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. We were honored that they could join us and give us the opportunity to recognize their outstanding service,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr.

The Saipan battle is notable because of the service and heroism of many Troy and Rensselaer County residents. Two Troy natives, Lt. Col. William O’Brien and Sgt. Thomas Baker, each won the Medal of Honor posthumously for their actions in defending against a ferocious Japanese counterattack.

“Brave men like Nick Grinaldo and Sam Dinova make us proud to be Americans and proud to be from Troy. The stories of their heroism are still incredible more than 60 years later,” said Majority Leader Robert Mirch, chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee.

“So many Troy and Rensselaer County residents fought bravely during the battle for Saipan. The Rensselaer County Legislature will never forget their service and sacrifice for our nation,” said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

Photo caption: The Rensselaer County Legislature honored two veterans of the World War II battle of Saipan at the March 11 legislative meeting. Nicholas Grinaldo and Samuel Dinova were recognized for their service and heroism during the bloody battle in the Pacific. Grinaldo, second from right, and Dinova, third from right, listen as Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr., at right describes their heroism during the battle. Legislator Ken Herrington, at left, and Dinova’s son in law Tom Mainville, second from left, look on.

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