Norwood In The Service-This Day In Norwood History-August 31, 1945

Lt. Keeler Killed In Plane Crash

First Lieut. Carleton H. Keeler, 21, veteran overseas bomber pilot who early this week was reported missing on a flight from Iowa to Washington state, perished when his plane crashed in Oregon.

The flyer’s mother, Mrs. Ella Keeler of 393 Washington Street, Norwood, who had been informed in a telegram Monday morning from Lt. Keelers commanding officer that her son was missing on the flight since 10:45 a.m. Saturday, received a second telegram Wednesday bearing the tragic news that the wreckage of the big Army plane had been found seven miles east of Tollgate, Oregon and that all aboard had been killed.

No further details were given.

The plane had taken oil from Sioux City Army Air Field, Iowa, apparently early Saturday, en route to Walla Walla Army Air Field at Walla Walla, Washington. When radio contact with the plane failed at 10:45 a.m Saturday and the craft became overdue a search was immediately instigated by the Army.

He leaves besides his mother two brothers. Walter, 18, in the Maritime Service, and Clifford and two sisters, Mrs. Warren Smith and Miss Barbara Keeler.

Home After 19 Months In Pacific

James M. Costello, S.M. 2/c, son of Mr and Mrs. Edward Costello of 109 Casey Street, has arrived home from the South Pacific on a 30-day leave.

Costello has been serving with the Navy in the South Pacific for the past two years and holds six stars for participation in invasions, including Leyte and Okinawa. While on Okinawa, Costello saw Coast Guardsman Terry Barrett, son of Mr William Barrett of Prospect Street, who waved to him from aboard his ship.

Two of Costello’s brothers are still in the South Pacific: Robert, serving in the Army, and Thomas with the Navy Seebees. Another brother, Vincent, is stationed with the Army in Africa.
Following his leave, James will report to San Diego, Calif.

James Petrillo On Amphibious “Mother Ship”

ABOARD THE USS YOLO IN THE PACIFIC—James Petrillo, 29, boatswain’s mate, second class, USNR, whose wife, Anne, lives at 22 Cedar Street, Norwood, serves aboard this APB (auxiliary barracks, self-propelled) which provisioned 905 landing craft and provided many of the comforts and luxuries of an American home for the amphibious forces during the Pacific war

In her role as “mother-ship” at Okinawa, she serviced, fueled, watered, and provisioned landing craft, control vessels, and escorts—issuing 477 tons of fresh and frozen foods, 514 tons of dry provisions, 1,283,442 gallons of fresh water and 195,642 gallons of fuel.

Members of the small boats crews operating in the area came aboard to eat, sleep, shave, bathe, see a movie, and momentarily escape the trials of battle. This group consumed over 27,000 meals including fresh baked pies and cakes. It was here also that they received their mail and took time to write a letter home.

The Yolo crew went to their battle stations 257 times during the operation, but escaped without a scratch to remain, as one crew member said, “The anchor to America’s supply lines.”

T-Sgt. Zimmer Wins Discharge On 110 Points

T/Sgt. Joseph H. Zimmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Zimmer of 18 Ashcroft Street. Dedham, and former residents of Norwood, flew home recently from Scotland, arriving at LaGuardia Field. He was discharged at Fort Devens last Monday night after three years overseas service with the 310th Infantry of the 78th Division. He had 110 points to his credit.

Sgt. Zimmer entered the service in December 13, 1940, and received his basic training at Fort Devens. He went overseas on August 29, 1942, and was wounded in Schmidt, Germany, last February.

While overseas, Sgt. Zimmer was married on January 10, 1943, to Barbara Dunne of Tipperary. Ireland. They have a baby daughter, Margaret Anne. Sgt. Zimmer expects his wife and baby to join him in the States sometime in March.

Sgt. Zimmer is the holder of the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Francis Massey Is Promoted To Lt. Commander

Word has been received by Mr and Mrs. Francis A. Massey of 20 Mylod Street, that their son, Francis A. Massey. Jr., U S.N R., somewhere in the Pacific, has been promoted to Lt. Commander.

Lt. Comdr. Massey has been on active sea duty for 59 months. He was in the African and Italian campaigns and the invasions of the Solomons. Guam and the Philip-pines. He wears eight battle stars.

He is 26 years old and is a graduate of the Norwood schools and the Mass Nautical School.

Coleman Conroy Home After 19 Months In Pacific

Coleman F. Conroy, MM2/c, United States Coast Guard, has arrived home on a 36-day leave following 19 months in the Pacific.

Conroy, who entered the service on January 8, 1942, holds the American Theater ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with two stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one star, and the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal for three years. He has taken part in battles in New Guinea, Halmhera, and Leyte.

While overseas, Conroy met three Norwood boys. Eddie Conroy of Railroad avenue, in New Guinea; Archie Curtin of Mylod street, at Pearl Harbor, and Jimmy Lynch of Linden street, on Attu.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Conroy of 280 Railroad Avenue, Conroy is married to the former Catherine Brindley of Dedham and makes his home at 251 Whiting Avenue, Dedham.
Following his leave, he will report to Seattle, Washington.

John L Walsh Victim Of Crash At Calais

John L. Walsh of 60 Rhodes Avenue, East Walpole, brother of Mrs. Cornelius Murphy of Nichols Street, Norwood, died Wednesday morning in Calais, Maine, as a result or injuries suffered in an automobile accident the day before.

Mr. Walsh had left on Monday for Calais, where he was to spend his vacation. He had arrived at his destination and apparently was on an errand when the accident occurred. No particulars were immediately available, except that it was known that he was alone in the car at the time.

Mrs. Murphy left Norwood early Wednesday with her husband to be at her brother’s bedside. After their departure, word was received here that Mr. Walsh had died in a hospital in Calais.

Mr. Walsh, a veteran of World War I and well known in this section, leaves his mother, Mrs. Helen Walsh, and besides Mrs. Murphy another sister. Miss Loretta Walsh of East Walpole.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)