South Norwood to Dedicate Memorial Square Honoring WWII Soldier Sgt. Naimi Bader-November 11, 1975

32 Years After ‘Concho Clipper’ Bomber Crash Over France, Town Honors Local Sports Standout and Gold Star Family

NORWOOD — In May 1943, 24-year-old local soldier and sports standout Sgt. Naimi Bader was aboard the American Flying Fortress bomber “Concho Clipper” on a mission over occupied France when enemy fire struck the aircraft, sending it down. It was not until March 1949, years after hope had faded, that the family received official notification of his death and burial at the U.S. Military Cemetery at St. James, France.

Now, more than three decades later, Norwood is ensuring his sacrifice is never forgotten. The intersection of Sturtevant Avenue and Pond Street in South Norwood—Sgt. Bader’s boyhood neighborhood—is slated for formal dedication as a memorial square in his honor.

Selectman William F. Butters proposed the tribute as part of a series of municipal dedications honoring Norwood men who died or were reported missing in action during wartime. Butters noted that he selected Sgt. Bader as the first honoree because he had been a close neighbor, a friend, and a man he held in deep personal respect.

Memories of a Patriotic Volunteer and a Mother’s Enduring Pride

The Bader family expressed surprise and deep appreciation when notified of the town’s plans by the selectmen, suspecting the tribute ties into upcoming Bicentennial observances.

Sgt. Bader volunteered for service immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, one of four sons whom mother Rose Bader sent off to war. Now 80 years old, the Gold Star mother admitted she has never fully accepted the finality of her son’s passing since his body was never returned home: “And still I don’t believe he’s gone, in my mind… If you don’t see something you don’t believe it.” Reflecting on her family’s service, she philosophized, “My husband used to say, if you don’t fight for your country, who’s going to fight?”

The sergeant’s sister, Jennie Bader, recalled her brother’s cheerful disposition, reminiscing with a laugh about how he used to walk down the street at night singing to himself. Looking ahead to the dedication of the sunny square outside their home, Jennie shared, “I’ll be putting fresh flowers there. I grow them all summer.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger