This Day in Norwood History-December 21, 1944-T/5 Paul E. Pepper, Pfc. Chester R. Pepper With the Same AA Battery In Pacific

SOMEWHERE IN NEW GUINEA —Two soldiers from Norwood. Massachusetts, are now serving with an Anti-Aircraft Battery in the Southwest Pacific. T/5 Paul E. Pepper is a clerk and Pfc. Chester R. Johnson is a truck driver.

Prior to induction T/5 Pepper was employed as a winder-operator for Bird & Son of East Walpole. Pfc. Johnson was a truck driver for the Swift Laundry of Norwood. They were inducted into Federal Service on March 19, 1942. and received their military training at Camp Stewart, Georgia. In September of the same year their organization was shipped overseas; since then they have seen service in New Zealand, New Caledonia and Guadalcanal, prior to their present assignment in the New Guinea area. Their organization was responsible for the anti-aircraft defense of Henderson Field. Guadalcanal, for over eleven months, experiencing considerable action and taking part in the first American offensive against the Japanese aggressor. Upon completion of their Guadalcanal assignment they enjoyed a rest period in New Zealand.

They arrived in the Southwest Pacific Theatre over two years ago and arc mainly interested in letters bearing the Norwood postmark. They stand together in praising the merits of their home town to their buddies from other parts of the nation.

T/5 Pepper and Pic. Johnson nave been awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, a Bronze Star denoting participation in a major campaign and the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary, efficiency and fidelity while serving with the armed forces.

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Crowley, parents of T/5 Pepper, reside at 79 Walnut avenue. Norwood. His wife. Gladys Pepper, lives at 89 Waban Park.

Pfc. Chester R. Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson of 16 Bellevue avenue, Norwood.