In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-March 2, 1945

Fought Off Attacking Craft Although Injured

Boatswain Groote Awarded Silver Star For Conspicuous Gallantry

Warrant Boatswain Kurt R. Groote, USN, 44, a native of Norwood whose wife, Mrs. Helen Elizabeth Groote, resides at 337 Fisher Street, Walpole, has been awarded the Silver Star Medal for conspicuous gallantry exhibited by remaining at his station, although injured, while under enemy fire. His citation follows:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the USS Aroostook at Bari, Italy on December 2, 1943, when numerous enemy aircraft attacked shipping and harbor, installations.

“Despite his injuries from concussion and shock from bomb explosions close to the USS Aroostook loaded with large quantities of special aviation gasoline and danger from flying shrapnel, Boatswain Groote with utmost determination and exemplary coolness remained at his station on an exposed fire control station and directed the fire of the guns of the ship in a most effective manner against the attacking aircraft.

“The exceptional courage, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Boatswain Kurt R Groote were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.”

Sgt. W. F. Grusheski Is Graduated As Gunnery Instructor

S Sgt. Walter F Grusheski. son of Mr and Mrs. J M Grusheski of 175 Railroad Avenue, Norwood, has been graduated from the Army Air Forces Central Instructors School at Laredo Army Air Field. Laredo. Texas, a member of the AAF Training Command. He is now fully qualified to become an instructor at one of the nation’s seven aerial gunnery schools.

He was prepared for his instructing duties by completing a comprehensive six-week course in the most modern methods of instruction on aerial gunnery.

Pfc, Giampa At Hospital In England

The War Department’s latest list of casualties carries the name of Pfc. Dominic R. Giampa, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Giampa of 15 Cross Street, Norwood, who was wounded in action In France on December 16th, He is now convalescing at a hospital in England.

Pfc. Giampa was with the 54th Armored Battalion of the 10th Armored Division and was recently awarded the Bronze Star for remaining at his post with a companion in the face of numerically superior opposition and holding off the enemy until their squad could join them, Pfc. Giampa has three brothers in the service. Richard and Frank in the army and Joseph Giampa, in the Merchant Marine.

On Leave From Tufts V-12 Unit

Russell Babcock. 160 Cottage Street, is home on leave from Tufts V-12 Unit at Medford. After a ten-day leave, he will return to finish his preparatory course for a commission in the Sea Bees.

Also on leave from the same station is James A. Hartshorn 107 Day Street, who returns to Tufts to start his senior year in pre-radar.

Reunion At Davis Home

The Davis home at 237 Winter Street is the scene of a full family reunion this week with the two service sons of Mr and Mrs. Frank I L. Davis on leave from naval service.

Lt Roger L Davis has been on sea duty for two years in command of a mine sweeper in the Caribbean and American theatres. His younger brother. Fireman 1/c Frank B Davis, has just completed a course at Purdue University.

Flight Officer Gaigal Assigned To Buckingham

Flight Officer Peter Paul Gaigal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gaigal, 9 St. George Avenue, Norwood, has been assigned to Buckingham Army Air Field, ‘one of the largest’ flexible gunnery schools in the AAF Training Command, as a student officer, it is announced by Col. Othel R. Deering, the commanding officer.

F/O Gailgal has been in the army 28 months, and he received his appointment as flight officer on January 27, 1945, at Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)