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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Sergt. Walsh, Pacific Veteran, Critically Ill-This Day in Norwood History-November 20, 1944
Sergt. Joseph F. Walsh, 34. of 54 Walnut avenue, who recently returned to the United States after 33 months of service with the famed Americal Division in the Pacific, is critically ill with spinal meningitis at the Fox Regional Hospital at Camo Barkley, Texas, according to word received here over the weekend. His sister, Elizabeth,…
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Pvt. Raymond Decorated At Convalescent Hospital-This Day in Norwood History-November 17, 1944
FORT DEVENS — Private Joseph F. Raymond of 24 Shaw street, Norwood, who was wounded in action in France on June 25th, was one of five overseas veterans presented combat decorations at the Lovell General Convalescent Hospital here this week. The Purple Heart was pinned on the Norwood soldier by Lt. Col. George T. Stine,…
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Balboni’s Celebrate 25th Anniversary-This Day in Norwood History-November 15, 1944
At a family party in the Hotel Manger, Boston, last week, Mr. and Mrs. Umberto Balboni of 854 Washington Street, Norwood, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Thirty members of the families of each of the couple were present at the dinner and Mr. and Mrs. Balboni were presented with 25 silver dollars. The couple is…
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United Church Men’s Club Chicken Supper-This Day in Norwood History-October 22, 1944
HEAD TABLE GUESTS at the chicken supper which opened the season of the United Men’s Club Monday night at the United Church are (left to right) Rev. Edmund Miller, new pastor of the church; Charles Donnell, club president; Lt. Lewis Harris, 10th Air Force veteran recently returned from the Burma-India China theatre, who was the…
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Holy Cross Golfer Breaks Medical Par at Bougainville-This Day In Norwood History-June 24, 1944
Norwood Army Surgeon Decorated with Legion of Merit for Heroism Under Bombing in the Pacific Lt Col James F. Collins of Norwood, Mass., recently awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct as an Army surgeon, wasted little time in putting his medical ability to good use at Bougainville. The night after Col Collins’…
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Mrs. King To Sponsor Ship & Unveil Honor Roll-This Day In Norwood History-April 30, 1943
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…
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Pvt Eugene McDonough First Casualty in North Africa-This Day in Norwood History-April 16, 1943
A Solemn High Requiem Maas will be celebrated at St. Catherine’s Church tomorrow morning at nine o’clock for M. Eugene McDonough, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McDonough of 607 Nahatan Street, Norwood, who was killed in action in North Africa on March 23rd. Mr. and Mrs. McDonough were informed by a telegram from the…
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Parade Marks Armistice Day-This Day In Norwood History-November 11, 1942
Veterans organizations Honor Dead Comrades Marching Units In Flag-Draped Streets Inspiring Spectacle Norwood, along with the rest of this warring nation, observed the 21th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that put an end to World War I, while many of the onlookers at the parade yesterday morning are warriors of World War II…
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Norwood Native Arthur Curtin At Pearl Harbor-This Day In Norwood History-December 8, 1941
One Norwood man is definitely known to have been at Pearl Harbor when that giant Pacific Navy base was bombed in the Japanese surprise attack yesterday morning. He is 30-year old Arthur Curtin, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Curtin of Mylod Street. Curtin, who is an electrician in the U. S. Navy yard stationed…
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Woman Slugged, Robbed-This Day in Norwood History-October 9, 1940
Mrs. Julia Sweeney Attacked In Cellar Of V.F.W. Building
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