Purple Heart Veteran Honored with Lawrence Avenue Street Sign

A veteran that served in World War II and earned the Purple Heart now has a permanent memorial in Lincoln Square.

An honorary street sign now hangs at the northwest corner of Lawrence and Ashland avenues, where Sgt. Saul Joseph spent most of his life.

Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) unveiled the sign Sunday, on what would have been Joseph’s birthday.

Born to Assyrian immigrants, Joseph traded fleeing from persecution to growing up during the Great Depression.

He joined the National Guard and later served in the 320th Infantry Regiment during WWII.

After sustaining an injury, Joseph still served in the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a Purple Heart for that injury, along with Silver Star and Bronze Stars before being honorably discharged in 1945.

The sergeant’s service didn’t end when he left the military. Joseph continued to devote time and energy to community organizations that help veterans.

Aside from his volunteer work, the he worked at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Reptile house for 25 years, eventually earning the status of senior zookeeper.

“A modest man, he never wanted recognition and always cared for the well being of his fellow veterans and the people in his community,” Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) wrote about Joseph in an email to residents.

Both the alderman’s office and Joseph’s grandson, Saul J. Joseph, worked to erect the street sign close to the former soldier’s home.