Memorial Services for Pfc. George Deeb and Pfc. Merton Haynes
A solemn memorial service will be held this Sunday morning at St. George’s Syrian Church in honor of Pfc. George Deeb, who gave his life on Iwo Jima on February 20, and his brother‑in‑law, Pfc. Merton E. Haynes, who fell in France on February 9.
The two young men—linked not only by family ties but by their shared devotion to duty—will be remembered together in a single service of prayer and tribute. The church will gather at 11 o’clock, where the Rev. Spirdon Dora will lead the congregation in commending their souls and offering comfort to the families who mourn them.
Pfc. Deeb, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Deeb, and Pfc. Haynes, whose sacrifice in the European theater came just days apart, represents the heavy cost borne by Norwood families in this war. Their names now join the growing roll of local heroes whose courage and service will be held in lasting remembrance by their church, their community, and a grateful nation.
Major John A. Millin Earns Three Oak Leaf Clusters
Major John A. Millin of Norwood, group navigator with a 7th AAF Liberator unit in the Palaus, received the first, second, and third Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal for “meritorious achievement… courage and skill” during bombing attacks on Japanese shipping and military targets in the Palaus and Philippines.
His parents live at 230 Vernon Street, and his wife resides in Galveston, Texas.
Pvt. Anne M. O’Brien Completes Marine Boot Training
Pvt. Anne M. O’Brien of 48 Florence Avenue finished six weeks of Women’s Reserve “boot” training at Camp Lejeune, including military courtesy, drill, chemical warfare, and map reading. She is now assigned as a Clerk‑Typist at the Women’s Reserve Schools.
Wesley Donaldson, Merchant Marine, Home on Leave
Wesley Donaldson, AB, U.S. Merchant Marine, is home on a 30‑day leave after four overseas trips. He served aboard the James B. Weaver, the first Liberty ship to dock at Antwerp, and also operated in the Mediterranean.
Lt. Carl M. Altonen Helps Recapture Bataan
Lt. Carl M. Altonen of 64 Chapel Street, an Intelligence Officer with an Anti‑Aircraft Artillery Battalion, took part in the recapture of Bataan and Corregidor with the 11th Corps. Overseas since July 1944, he is a graduate of Mercer University and a former Bird & Son employee.
Cpl. Emil Bazzy Repairs B‑29 Systems on Guam
Cpl. Emil Bazzy of Walnut Avenue wrote home describing his work on B‑29 Central Station Fire Control systems on Guam. He oversees the gyro department — the first time such repairs have been done overseas.
He recently visited with Major Harvey Nutter, also of Norwood.
Algirdas C. Kazulis Awarded the Air Medal
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2/c Algirdas C. Kazulis of 82 Sumner Street received the Air Medal for combat service as a turret gunner in the Pacific.
His citation notes accurate strafing under fire, enabling underwater demolition teams to operate offshore.
Kazulis flew 30 combat missions, with his plane credited for sinking a light cruiser and damaging a carrier and two cargo ships.
M/Sgt. Arthur C. Webber Home After 4½ Years Overseas
M/Sgt. Webber of 39 Phillips Avenue returned on a 20‑day furlough after long service with the 13th AAF, fighting from Guadalcanal to the Philippines.
He previously served in Panama and holds the American Defense Ribbon for pre‑Pearl Harbor service.
Cpl. John “Pesky” Flynn Commended for Bastogne Relief
Cpl. John Thomas Flynn of Washington Street serves with a Field Artillery unit commended by Gen. George S. Patton for its role in the relief of Bastogne.
Pvt. Stanley Stoyanoff Writes of the Advance into Germany
Pvt. Stoyanoff of 2 Park Street described seeing “unending lines of slave‑laborers and prisoners of war” freed as U.S. forces advanced.
He has served since November 1943 and went overseas in June 1944.
Pvt. Edwin A. Kotek Begins Radio Operator Training
Pvt. Edwin Kotek of 31 St. Joseph Avenue, formerly of Wiggins Airways and the Norwood CAP Squadron, has been assigned to the AAF Radio School at Sioux Falls for a 26‑week course.
H2 — Pvt. Edward Mike Reassigned After 34 Months Overseas
Pvt. Edward Mike of 11 Weld Avenue reported to the Lake Placid Redistribution Station after 34 months overseas with an Armored Signal Unit in Africa and Italy.
Pfc. Karl Eklund Home on Furlough After Wounds
Pfc. Karl Eklund returned home on a 30‑day furlough after being wounded in the European Theater last September.
Civil Air Patrol Status Clarified by War Department
A new memorandum from Gen. George C. Marshall reaffirmed the Civil Air Patrol as an official auxiliary of the Army Air Forces, performing missing‑aircraft searches, cadet pre‑flight training, and emergency missions.
Sgt. Arthur R. Pyne Receives Good Conduct Medal
S/Sgt. Pyne of 7 Douglas Avenue received the Good Conduct Medal at Westover Field for “exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity.”
Sgt. John Anthony Home on Furlough
Sgt. John Anthony of Florence Avenue, stationed in Florida, is home on furlough.
Sgt. Benjamin S. Vitartis Wounded in Germany
Sgt. Vitartis of 27 St. John Avenue was wounded in Germany and is now recuperating in England.
He has been overseas for two years.
Sgt. Edwin B. Booth Missing in Action
Sgt. Booth of 48 Cherry Street, a paratrooper with the 17th Airborne in Patton’s Third Army, was previously wounded in Belgium and has now been reported missing since March 24.
Lt. Harold L. Monahan Killed in Action
Lt. Harold Monahan of 175 Dean Street, previously listed missing, was confirmed killed in action when his P‑51 was shot down over Germany on December 24.
He held the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and three Oak Leaf Clusters.
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