Charles LaLiberte Jr.

LaLiberte was born in Albany to Charles and Mary LaLiberte. He attended School 18 and graduated from Troy High School in 1942. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Sept. 29, 1942.

After training, Pfc. LaLiberte received his permanent orders and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division at Camp Elliott in San Diego, California, where the Marines were in constant training for action in the Pacific. In February 1943, the division moved to Auckland, New Zealand.

On July 21, 1944, as part of the Southern Troops and Landing Force, LaLiberte landed in Guam. After 20 days of savage fighting, the division reached the northern coast of the island, and on Aug. 10, 1944, Guam was declared secure. LaLiberte remained on Guam to assist with mopup operations until his departure for the Iwo Jima campaign.

LaLiberte was honorably discharged Oct. 8, 1945, at the Marine Barracks in Boston. He returned to Troy and found employment at Bumsteads Car Dealers in Troy as a car painter. He then found a more secure position at the Watervilet Arsenal until he was laid off after many years of service. Having a family to support, he did not wait too long before he found a position with Duffers Associates in Poestenkill.

LaLiberte married Julie Solano of Troy on July 21, 1957, and they raised seven children, Sharon, Susan, Thomas, Sheila, Sandra, Sharlette and Shelley on the east side of Troy. LaLiberte died Jan. 15, 1984.

LaLiberte’s banner can be viewed at 58 3rd St.