Norwood Army Surgeon Decorated with Legion of Merit for Heroism Under Bombing in the Pacific
Lt Col James F. Collins of Norwood, Mass., recently awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct as an Army surgeon, wasted little time in putting his medical ability to good use at Bougainville.
The night after Col Collins’ arrival with the veteran Americal Division, a Japanese anti-personnel bomb crashed through the tent adjacent to his, seriously wounding an Australian officer.
The latter’s adjutant ran out, shouting, “Has anyone got a first-aid kit?” Col Collins popped out of a nearby foxhole, despite the continued bombing, and immediately gave medical treatment that probably saved the Australian’s life until the wounded man could be taken to an operating table.
Col Collins, who has been overseas some 28 months, is an old Holy Cross College golf star, and also active in baseball.
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First Lieutenant Harold L. Monahan Wins Cluster To Air Medal-This Day in Norwood History-December 21, 1944
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S/Sgt. Joseph P. Flaherty Wounded For Second Time In Europe-This Day in Norwood History-December 19, 1944
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Pfc. Russell Webber, Corporal Joseph Caruso Home From South Pacific For 30 Days-This Day in Norwood History-December 15, 1944
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Pvt. Jane Kwiatkowski & Pvt. Mary Avizinis Join WACS, Receive Medical Training-This Day in Norwood History-December 15, 1944
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Boyhood Pals Andrew Gibbons, Jack Reilly, Leave For Navy Duty Together-This Day in Norwood History-December 14, 1944
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Lt. Colonel George T. Lee Is Back Flying After Surgery-This Day in Norwood History-December 14, 1944
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Pvt. John F. King Is Convalescing In England-This Day in Norwood History-December 14, 1944
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