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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Many Veterans Home on Leave-This Day in Norwood History-December 29, 1944
HOME AFTER TWO YEARS Chief Petty Officer Edward Conroy of Railroad avenue is home on a 39-day leave after two years overseas duty. He reports back to California next month for re-assignment. Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Zoboli that their son Robert Arnold, now in Italy has been promoted to 1st…
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First Sgt. Leonard J Masino Enjoys First Holidays Home In Four Years-This Day in Norwood History-December 29, 1944
After four years of overseas service, First Sgt. Leonard J Masino was able this year to spend the first Christmas during that tune with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Masino of 10 Park street. The long-awaited family reunion was not complete, however, because Leonard’s sister, Miss Arlene Masino, art supervisor of the East Hampton…
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Lt. Col. George T. Lee Has Flown Over 200 Missions-This Day in Norwood History-December 29, 1944
LT. COL. GEORGE T. LEE, of Norwood, recently promoted from Major in the Army Air Forces, is Deputy Group Commander of a veteran P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Group supporting Allied Ground Forces in northern Italy and has flown ever 200 combat missions. (12th Air Force Photo) Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the…
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Pfc. George Thomas Home On Furlough-This Day in Norwood History-December 28, 1944
Pfc. George Thomas, U. S. A., is home on furlough and is now awaiting orders to go to a convalescent hospital. Pfc. Thomas is a veteran of four major campaigns — Hawaii. Midway. the Solomons and Wake Island — and he was also in the first wave of operations against the European continent on D-Day.…
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SSgt. Ahti Wuori, Aerial Gunner On U. S. Bomber, Missing-This Day in Norwood History-December 22, 1944
Veteran Of 30 Missions Missing In Pacific Theatre Since Nov. 16 Staff Sgt. Ahti J.. Wuori, only child of Mr. and Mrs. John Wuori of 90 East Cross street, Norwood, has been missing in action in the Pacific theater since November 16th, his parents have been informed in a War Department telegram. Sgl. Wuori has…
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Norwood Veterans Return From War In Time For Holidays-This Day in Norwood History-December 22, 1944
Home After 22 Months Overseas Home after 22 months overseas is Russell I. Richwcin, QM, USN, son of Mrs. Emma Rowell of 392 Pleasant street. On the crew of an LST. Russell has taken part in four major invasions. North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Normandy. Russell, a graduate of Norwood schools, has been in the…
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Pvts. Horace G. Webber And Thomas Elias Listed Killed-This Day in Norwood History-December 20, 1944
Webber Previously Reported Missing;Both Men Served With Infantry Units;Total Norwood War Dead Stands At 37 Pvt. Horace G. Webber, 34, previously reported missing, and Pvt. Thomas Elias, 31, both Infantry soldiers, have been killed in action in Germany, according to word received from the War Department by their next of kin. Pvt. Webber, who was…
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Pvt. Jane Kwiatkowski & Pvt. Mary Avizinis Join WACS, Receive Medical Training-This Day in Norwood History-December 15, 1944
TWO NORWOOD WACS, Pvt. Jane Kwiatkowski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kwiatkowski, 34 St. Joseph avenue, and Pvt. Mary Avizinis daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Avizinis, 16 Tremont street, learn to operate the X-Ray machine at the Medical Department Enlisted Technicians School, Camp Atterbury, Ind. Both will be assigned to work with returning…
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Pvt. Horace Webber Reported Missing In Siegfried Assault-This Day in Norwood History-December 7, 1944
Pvt. Horace G. Webber, 34-year-old Norwood Infantry soldier, is missing in action in Germany, it was learned last night following the receipt of a War Department telegram by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Webber of 32 Melville avenue. Pvt. Webber is one of five brothers in the service, two of whom have been wounded in battle.…
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Pvt. Peter Daly Is Felled In Germany Nov. 20, Staff Sergt. Thomas Coyne In France, Nov. 19th-This Day in Norwood History-December 6, 1944
Two Norwood men who were close friends in civilian life have been wounded on the Western front in Europe within one day of each other, it was learned today. Both slightly wounded, they are Pvt. Peter F. Daly of 53 Savin avenue and Staff Sergt. Thomas Francis Coyne of 65 Highview street, whose brother, Staff…
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