On Mother’s Day weekend in 1943, Norwood paid tribute to one of its earliest World War II heroes, Rudolph Ballough, through two solemn and deeply symbolic ceremonies led by his sister, Mrs. Louis King of Philbrick Street.
At the invitation of Rear Admiral R. A. Theobald—acting under the authority of Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox—Mrs. King was selected to sponsor the launching of Sub Chaser PC‑1273 at the Quincy‑Adams Yacht Yard on May 8, 1943. The honor reflected both her brother’s sacrifice and the town’s pride in his service.
The following day, May 9th at 2 p.m., she would stand again before the community to unveil Norwood’s Honor Roll, a newly erected board on the Town Square listing the names of 1,400 servicemen. Additional names would continue to be added as more Norwood residents entered the armed forces.
Rudolph Ballough’s Service
Ballough served twelve years in the U.S. Navy and belonged to the famed MTB boat squadron that fought in the early Pacific campaigns around the Philippines. His squadron was later chronicled by W. L. White in They Were Expendable, where Ballough’s name appears alongside his Norwood address. The unit’s commander was Lieutenant Commander John D. Bulkeley, one of the war’s most celebrated PT‑boat leaders.
Ballough’s death marked Norwood’s first WWII casualty, and the twin honors bestowed upon his sister that weekend reflected the town’s enduring respect for his courage and sacrifice.
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VFW Lodges Evicted Norwood Vet, Family-This Day In Norwood History- July 10, 1946
SHELTERED IN V. F. W. DANCE HALL—Mr. and Mrs. John Famigliette put Diane, 4, and Joan, 2, to bed, while Pal, the family collie, looks on. NORWOOD, July 9 — Two sleepy little girls were tucked into bed on a mattress on the floor of a dance hall tonight at Veterans of Foreign Wars headquarters…
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Two Norwood GI Buddies Are Discharged-This Day In Norwood History-February 22, 1946
Two South Norwood boys who have been all through the war together have both recently received their honorable discharges from the Army. Sgt. Albert Mike, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mike, 26 St. George Avenue, and Sgt. Shafie Boulis, son of Mrs. Kerrimie Boulis, Concord Avenue, have been in the service for three years…
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Plans for Emergency Veterans Housing on Bellevue Ave Move Ahead-This Day in Norwood History-February 15, 1946
Town Proceeds With Preparations For Project At Bellevue Ave. Site A representative of the Federal Public Housing Authority placed his approval on two sites for emergency housing for war veterans following an inspection tour of Norwood on Wednesday. The Number One choice of the Board of Selectmen is a tract of land on the westerly…
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Brothers Pfc. Kenneth & Ralph Cashen Both Purple Heart Veterans, Discharged-This Day in Norwood History-January 4, 1946
Two Norwood brothers, Pfc. Kenneth J. Cashen of the Marines, and Ralph D. Cashen of the Army, both of whom have been presented the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, recently were discharged from the service. Pfc, Kenneth Cashen entered the Marine Corps in September, 1943 and received his boot training at Parris Island,…
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Norwood Quartet In Perilous Atlantic Crossing On Troopship-This Day in Norwood History-January 4, 1946
NEW YORK — The S. S. Kokomo Victory arrived in New York from LeHavre, France, with 1600 returning veterans, weary, seasick, and very much battered and bruised, but very happy indeed to be back in their native land. The trip, which took 12 days, will long live In the memories o£ the hundreds of sea-going…
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Norwood Combat Veteran Sgt. Juskiewicz Killed in Crash in Germany-This Day in Norwood History-October 5, 1945
Sgt Juskiewicz Meets Death In Truck Accident Held Three Battle Stars For Action With Patton’s 3rd Army Sgt. Witold J. Juskiewicz, Jr., a 27-year-old Norwood Infantry soldier who battled through Germany with Patton’s Third Army, was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Germany on September 18th, according to a telegram received from the War…
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Veteran of Three Services, Andrew J. Hewitt, Managing Guild Theatre-This Day In Norwood History-August 3, 1945
This Day In Norwood History-August 3, 1945-Veteran of Three Services, Andrew J. Hewitt, Managing Guild Theatre
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Technical Sgt Arthur C Webber Promoted to Master Sergeant-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1945
HEADQUARTERS. 13th AAF, Southwest Pacific—Arthur C Webber of Norwood, recently was promoted from technical to the highest enlisted rank of Master Sergeant at an advanced base of the “Fightin’ 13th AAF” in the Southwest Pacific. Son of Roy C. and Mrs. Inez B Webber of 39 Phillips avenue. Norwood. Sergeant Webber recently completed 18 months…
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Local Marine Raymond B Rafuse Promoted To Sergeant-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1945
Sgt. Rafuse landed with assault troops on “D” day at Guam, but was wounded on the beach. He was evacuated to a Naval Hospital. Recently he returned to join his outfit. SOMEWHERE lN THE PACIFIC (Delayed) — Marine Sgt. Raymond B Rafuse, Jr., o£ 345 Winter street, Norwood, has been promoted to his present rank…
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John Mulvehill Promoted To Rank Of Major-Norwood WWII Veteran-January 12, 1945
Captain John J. Mulvehill, 15th A.A.F., of 23 Cottage Street, Norwood was promoted on Christmas Day to the rank of Major, it was learned here today. Major Mulvehill has been overseas for two and one-half years with the Flying Fortress unit. This unit participated in the African invasion and later at an Italian base took…
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