United States Marines Story Archive

The Norwood Historical Society United States Marines Story Archive preserves and shares the stories of Norwood residents who proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. From wartime service to peacetime duty, these accounts highlight the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of local Marines, both men and women, who answered the call to serve their country. Through photographs, documents, newspaper articles, military records, and personal recollections, this archive honors the Marine Corps legacy while ensuring that the individual contributions of Norwood’s Marines are remembered for future generations.

Today, on the Marine Corps Birthday, we extend our gratitude and best wishes to all Marines, past and present. Since November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps has embodied honor, courage, and commitment in service to the nation. Happy Birthday, Marines, and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

If you or a family member served in the Marine Corps, or if you have photographs, documents, memories, or other materials related to a Norwood Marine, 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 Marines 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”…
In Memory Of All Marines in Norfolk County

This monument, located in Aaron Guild Park, was dedicated by the Norfolk County Marine Corps League in 1957. The inscription reads: In Memory of All Marines of Norfolk County Who Gave Their Lives For Our Country Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Semper Fidelis. Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the…
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…
Norwood’s Charles King Jr. Shares His Marine Journey-March 26, 2011

Fifty-four hours, three MREs, four hours of sleep (if you’re lucky), 55 miles to hike, obstacles to overcome and teamwork to pull one through. This, Charles King Jr. said, is the Crucible, the last phase a recruit must overcome before becoming a Marine. “It is a test of everything we’ve learned up until then and…
Charlton Heston Calls USMC Wife-January 23, 1984

Husband in Beirut Wife gets Heston’s call After dinner on Monday, Sharon Curtis was expecting a call from her Sister-in-law. But when the phone rang, the voice on the other end sounded more like Charlton Heston. “At first I said, ‘Is this a joke?’’’ recalled the 26-year-old Norwood native. “But after I heard his voice…
Norwood Police Chief James M. Murphy Dies At 54-November 23, 1973

Norwood Police Chief James M. Murphy, 54, died yesterday at Norwood Hospital, where he was admitted Thanksgiving Day after a heart attack. Chief Murphy, a Norwood police officer for 33 years and police chief for 10 years, was one of the state’s youngest police chiefs when appointed in 1963. A funeral Mass will be said…
A Town Shrouded in Grief for a Fallen Son-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1968

A devastating sacrifice hits home as Norwood unites to receive the body of Marine Lance Cpl. Richard Murphy, son of the town’s Police Chief.
Marine Lance Cpl. John H. Wright Jr. Awarded Black Belt in Karate While Serving in South Vietnam-September 14, 1966

Norwood Marine Lance Cpl. John H. Wright Jr. earns a Black Belt in Karate while stationed with the Marine Corps Air Wing in South Vietnam.
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.…
Norwood Marine Returns To Camp Lejeune-This Day in Norwood History-January 3, 1963

Marine Private First Class Steven J. Weiand, son of Mr. and Mrs, Joseph F. Weiand of 27 Redwood Drive, Norwood, returned to Camp Lejeune, N C., on Dec. 3, with Headquarters and Service Company. First Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment. The battalion was engaged in extended operations away from Camp Lejeune recently. It returned as part…