In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-February 26, 1949

Introducing Executive Committeeman John J. Murphy

John, the son of Mr. and Mrs. C C. Murphy of 877 Washington street, attended the Norwood Public schools graduating from Norwood High School in 1934.

Following his graduation he attended Boston College where he won the coveted Boston College “B” in football and was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at his graduation in 1938.

During World War II he served his country as a United States Marine, rising from the rank of private to 1st Lieutenant. Serving overseas in the Pacific area for two years he participated in the invasions of Guam and Iwo Jima and the initial occupation of Japan. He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device for heroic achievement in combat against the Japanese. He also wears the World War II Medal, American Theatre Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal with two bronze stars and the Naval Unit Citation ribbon with bronze star.

John’s record in the American Legion is an impressive one. The first World War II Commander of Norwood Post 70 and the first World War II veteran to be elected as Norfolk County Executive Committeeman John has served on many Post, County and State Department Committees, including the important State Department Resolutions Committee, Ways and Means, National Defense and Speakers Bureau.

A former Norwood School Committeeman, a director of the Community Fund, a former officer of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus, John has been active in the social civic, political and religious life of Norwood.

Past Commander Murphy is employed at Bird and Son, Inc., as an Industrial Engineer. He makes his home at 273 Railroad avenue with Mrs. Murphy and his two children, Robert and Cecilia.

Former N.H.S. Hockey Star Now Displaying Wares With Crack U.S. Outfit In Europe

A Norwood boy who was a standout hockey player last year at Norwood High and who is now toiling for Uncle Sam, is the star goalie of the Neubiberg Railers, a flashy hockey team made up of players who are now members of the 86th Motor Vehicles squad of the 86th Fighter Squadron, Army Air Force, now stationed in Germany.

A dispatch to his parents, Mr, and Mrs. Geoffrey Hamlin of 362 Washington Street disclosed that their son, Robert Hamlin, is the talk of the Army servicemen’s hockey league for his fine goaltending. The coach of the team of which Hamlin is the goalie is Sergeant Philip Meuse of East Boston and he reports that Hamlin is one of the flashiest goalies he has ever seen. The team has won 36 of their last 37 encounters in the last report from Munich, Germany, their home base.

It was learned that Hamlin was given a chance to show his skill when the regular goalie of the team was discharged and sent home to the States. With their fine record at stake, Hamlin was “on the spot” but came through in admirable fashion. In their last reported game, the Neubiberg Raiders won 8 to 1 and Hamlin had a shutout until the last few seconds of the game.

All of the games are played under National Hockey rules and the Raiders have flown to Brussels, Belgium, England, France and other parts of Europe , to take on other crack service hockey teams. At present the team is reported to be in England where they will encounter the championship team of, the R. A. F in Liverpool. They also will play Oxford and then go to Paris ror another game.

At the close of one of the games, which was witnessed by the commanding officer of his unit, Colonel Edmundson, Hamlin received his personal congratulations for his fine goal tending.

Hamlin graduated from Norwood High with the class of 1948. His father is the owner of Hamlin’s Service station at the corner of Railroad avenue and Washington street.

Wins Promotion With Air Force

Daniel T Keady, 20, son of Mr, and Mrs. Patrick Keady of 24 Lydon street, Norwood, was promoted to Private First Class recently at Headquarters Command, United States Air Force, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D. C., according to Col. S. D Grubbs, Commandant.

He was enlisted at Fort Devens in 1946. After completing Basic training. Private Keady was assigned to the 4203rd Photographic Technical Squadron of the 311 Air Division Reconnaisance at Bolling.

Sgt. Yakus With Military Police In Osaka, Japan

WITH THE EIGHTH ARMY IN JAPAN—Sergeant First Class William Yakus, son of Mrs. Helen Yakus, of Box 13, Norwood. Mass., is now on duty with tec 25th Mechanized Reconnaissance Troops, which is stationed at Osaka, Japan, and is part of the Pacific famed 25th Infantry (Tropic Lightning) Division which is commanded by Major General William F. Kean.

His present duty is that of military police in the 25th Mecz. Cav. Ren. Trp.

Reenlisted on January 7, 1948, at Ft. Lewis, Wash., he has 12 years prior service. He arrived in Japan on May 9, 1948.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)