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.
More Norwood Veteran Stories
-
Last Minute Rally To Hit Scrap Drive Quota-This Day in Norwood History-October 15, 1942
Holman Not Satisfied With 135 Tons Collected Norwood Messenger – October 15, 1942 Norwood lines up today a few yards from the goal in the nation-wide scrap initial drive that closes tomorrow after two weeks of collections, and to date this town shows roughly about 135 to 145 tons of scrap which chairman Charles F.…
-
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-October 2, 1942
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-October 2, 1942
-
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 25, 1942
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 25, 1942
-
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 18, 1942
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 18, 1942
-
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 11, 1942
From somewhere in England, Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Scanlon of Washington Street have had a letter from their son, Pvt. George F. Scanlon. It follows a cablegram received by them last Saturday. George writes: “Dear Mom and Dad: “Gee, it was swell to receive a letter from you today. It was just four weeks…
-
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 4, 1942
In The Service Now-This Day In Norwood History-September 4, 1942
-
Norwood Boy Rescued After 7 Days in Open Lifeboat-August 14, 1942
Returning home to Washington Street, Norwood High alumnus Harold Small recounted his harrowing survival after his merchant ship was torpedoed in the South Atlantic on July 22, 1942.
-
George T. Lee Gets “Wings” In Air Corps- August 13, 1942
August 13, 1942- The Norwood Messenger George T. Lee, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Lee of 26 Rock Street, Norwood, has been commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Air Forces. He received his “wings*’ at the graduation exercises held here on Wednesday, August 5th. Lieutenant Lee graduated from Norwood High School…
-
Women Join ‘Chute Corps Of Civil Air Patrol Unit-This Day In Norwood History-July 8, 1942
Four women, including a state Representative and her pilot daughter, and three doctors, attended the opening candidates’ class for the formation of a parachute corps within the Civil Air Patrol in New England last evening at the Norwood Airport. The new corps will include doctors, nurses, skilled woodsmen, mechanics and forest fire fighters, according to…
-
Norwood Servicemen Write Home From Across the Globe-This Day In Norwood History-May 8, 1942
Norwood families opened their mailboxes this week to find letters from sons serving across the world, each offering a glimpse into wartime life far from home. Pvt. Andrew Venskus Jr., formerly the proprietor of the West Street Handy Store, wrote from Keesler Field in Mississippi, where he is now training in a Technical School Squadron.…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.