United States Army Story Archive

The Norwood Historical Society United States Army Story Archive preserves and shares the stories of Norwood residents who served in the nation’s oldest and largest military branch. From the Revolutionary War to modern military operations, these accounts reflect the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of local men and women who answered the call to serve. Through photographs, documents, newspaper articles, military records, and personal recollections, this archive honors the legacy of Army service while ensuring that the individual contributions of Norwood’s soldiers are remembered for future generations.

If you or a family member served in the Army, or if you have photographs, documents, memories, or other materials related to a Norwood soldier, we invite you to share them with the Norwood Historical Society. Community contributions help preserve these important stories and ensure that the service and sacrifices of Norwood’s soldiers continue to be remembered and honored

Norwood Memorial Street Corner List

1 Pleasant & E Cross St U.S. Army PFC Ralph E. Shackley 1915 1943 * 2 Pleasant & Cross St U.S. Army Sgt. Edward F Hayes 1923 1945 * 3 Pleasant & Gay St U.S. Army PVT Thomas F. McDonough 1921 1944 * 4 Gay & Joy St U.S. Army SPC Keith D. Benson “DOC”…
Honoring Norwood’s Veterans

Norwood has a long history of proud military service, going back as far as the Colonial Wars, and the town and townspeople have done an excellent job of paying tribute to those veterans throughout the years. Downtown Norwood Located in the center of town is the Norwood Municipal Memorial Building, also known as the Town…
In Memoriam-James R. Savage

James R. Savage Sr. retired Superintendent of the Norwood Public Schools, died Oct. 25, at Faulkner Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 84. He was the beloved husband of Catherine “Kay” (Jennings), treasured father of James Savage, Jr. of Hunt Valley, MD, Steve Savage, Dr. Mary Savage Brown, Cathy Savage-Eysie and father in…
Ray Martin; Norwood Star Pitched to Babe Ruth, Played for Boston Braves-March 15, 2013

In 1943, Norwood High School senior Ray Martin pitched his team to the state baseball championship and signed a professional contract with the Boston Braves, with whom he made his Major League debut. Later that summer, the tall, 18-year-old righthander faced retired slugger Babe Ruth in an exhibition game at Braves Field to benefit the…
Nahatan St Bridge Dedicated to George T Lee-This Day in Norwood History-September 27, 1988

Thousands of motorists who drive over the Nahatan Street bridge will now be paying honor to Norwood’s most decorated war hero. The bridge was dedicated Sunday with a bronze plaque identifying it as a memorial to George T. Lee. Before his death in 1954, the Norwood airman had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; the…
Robert H. Cook, Former Norwood Area Chamber of Commerce President and Boston Edison Union Pioneer, Dies at 87-October 16, 1987

Remembering Robert H. Cook, a dedicated Norwood civic leader, longtime Chamber of Commerce executive secretary, and influential utility union organizer.
Armed Forces Recruitment Methods Evolve-July 6, 1981

Navy and Army recruiters in Norwood outlined the changing landscape of military service in 1981, focusing on vocational training and increased transparency.
Andrew J. Ciarletta Jr. Appointed Principal of Winslow Elementary School-July 27, 1966

The Norwood School Committee appointed Andrew J. Ciarletta Jr. as principal of Winslow Elementary School, succeeding Alan R. Wonson.
Local Boys Join Regular Army-August 18, 1965

Nine local boys are being sworn in at the Boston Army Base for a three-year hitch in the Regular Army by Captain Lawrence Welding on extreme right. From left to right, rear row, are Sergeant Nick Damiano, the local recruiter; Edward LoDico of Foxboro, Bartley King and Donald Perry of Norwood, John Maloney and Robert…
John J. Murphy Bird Honored At Dinner For 25 Years As Bird Executive-This Day in Norwood History-January 30, 1964

John J. Murphy, 185 Roosevelt avenue, Norwood, was the guest of honor at a dinner attended by more than 100 persons on January 23 at the Lord Fox. The occasion was his 25th anniversary with Bird & Son, Inc., where he has served for the past 10 years as director of personnel and industrial relations.…