The Kattar family and their Merrimack Valley Golf Course are well-known in Methuen. Their name now lives on in Lawrence for the war efforts of a relative.
Last month, family members were there for the dedication of the SSgt. Thomas S. Kattar Square, at the corner of Hampshire and Lowell streets.
Kattar served in the Army during World War II and received a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for his heroism rescuing two fellow soldiers. His spot is one of 50 honoring war heroes through the Lawrence Square Project. City Councilor Marc LaPlante did extensive research to retell the story (in both English and Spanish) of their lives on the battlefield and afterward to a new generation of residents.
The signage recognizing Kattar Square reads, in part, “Thomas Kattar was the son of Lebanese immigrants. He joined the U.S. Army on March 7, 1941, serving in the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division. During the D-Day invasion, he volunteered to eliminate a machine gun nest, killing seven enemy combatants, rescuing two soldiers, and suffering lifelong shrapnel wounds.
While in France, he guarded a truck with $2 million in gold bullion, arresting the thieves. Post war, he was a barber for 30 years at Bessie Burke Hospital and cooked at Bishops Restaurant.”
~ By Yadira Betances Muldoon
