Military Funeral Honors Rendered for Decorated Norwood Navy Veteran

A solemn military funeral was conducted for Harold F. Stewart, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Stewart of 106 Central Street, at the United Church yesterday afternoon.

Representatives of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars were present to honor the late Navy veteran, who died Saturday at the Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. His mother and his sister, Shirley, were at his bedside when he passed away.

Stewart, who had been ill for some time, was on his way home for a furlough from the Pacific in April when he suffered a brain hemorrhage and was subsequently hospitalized in Chicago. His mother, Mrs. Stewart, who has been by her son’s side during his hospitalization, was en route home today.

A graduate of Norwood High School, he enlisted in the Navy in February 1941, at the age of 17, and received his boot training at Norfolk, Virginia.

Stewart served in the Navy for five years, having enlisted at the age of 17. He was seriously injured in a plane crash at San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, in December 1942.

His awards and decorations included the European-African Theatre Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon, Commendation Ribbon, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Victory Medal, and American Theatre Ribbon.

The sacrifice of residents like Harold F. Stewart remains a foundational part of the community’s heritage, honored annually through the town’s active Veterans Services department and localized Memorial Day observances.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)

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