Remains of Three More Local War Heroes En Route Home-This Day In Norwood History-February 4, 1949

Albert J. Goba, Joseph A. O’Loughlin And Hugh A. Donnelly Returned From Overseas

Among the remains of 5205 Americans who lost their lives during World War II and have been returned to the United States from the Mediterranean Area aboard the United States Army Transport Corporal Eric G. Gibson, are the bodies of three local boys.

The men whose bodies will arrive here soon for burial are:

Seaman First Class Albert J Goba of 1370 Washington Street, Norwood

Private First Class Joseph A. O’Loughlin U S A 21 Garfield Avenue Norwood

Second Lieutenant Hugh A. Donnelly U S. A., of 174 Common Street, Walpole

Seaman Goba was killed in action on June 22, 1943 while serving with the Sea Bees off the coast of Algiers. The son of Mrs Mary Goba 1370 Washington street he entered the service on September 18, 1942 and took his boot trainng at Rhode Island before going overseas.

A native of Minersville, Pa., Seaman Goba received his elementary and high school education there. He came to Norwood in August of 1940 to reside with his brother, Bernard Goba at 1358 Washington Street. Prior to his entrance into the service he was employed at Hollingsworth and Vose.

Goba had been decorated with the American Defense Ribbon, and received medals for participation in the European, African and Middle Eastern campaigns. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and citation for wounds sustained in action.

Surviving, besides his mother, Mrs. Mary Goba, 1370 Washington Street, and his brother, Bernard, are a sister, Mrs. John Dabrowney who resides with her mother, and another brother, Alec Goba of Wilmington, Delaware.

Private First Class Joseph O’Loughlin was killed in action with the Army in Tunisia on April 23, 1943. He entered the service in June, 1942, and went overseas a few months later after completion of his training at Fort Meade, Maryland, and Camp Pickett, Virginia. He received the Presidential Citation and the Purple Heart was awarded him posthumously.

Son of Mrs. Agnes O’Loughlin and the late Martin O’Loughlin, Joseph was born in Norwood and was graduated from Norwood High School in 1938. He worked at Winslow Brothers and Smith, before entering the Army. He leaves four brothers: Francis, Martin, Jr., veteran of service with the Merchant Marine, Stephen, Army Veteran, and Peter, ex-paratrooper. Surviving also, is one sister, Mrs. Mary McCarthy, all of Norwood.

Announcement of Lieutenant Donnelly’s death while in Italy, was made in August, 1944. He had previously been reported missing since April 13 of that year.

Lieutenant Donnelly was one of four service sons of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Donnelly. Overseas five months, he was stationed in North Africa before going to Italy with his unit. Entering the service in 1941, he was graduated from Officer Candidate School in December of 1942. Later he trained troops In this country up until he was assigned to overseas duty.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, he received his education there and later moved with his family to Walpole.

Details on funeral arrangements for the three war heroes will be announced at a later date.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)