United States Navy Story Archive

The Norwood Historical Society United States Navy Story Archive preserves the stories of Norwood residents who served at sea, beneath the waves, and around the world in defense of the nation. From wartime operations and historic voyages to peacetime missions and humanitarian service, these accounts illustrate the skill, dedication, and sacrifice of local sailors whose service connected Norwood to the broader history of the United States Navy.

Through photographs, documents, newspaper articles, military records, ship histories, and personal recollections, this archive seeks to preserve the experiences of Norwood’s Navy veterans and the vessels, ports, and missions that shaped their lives. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and traditions of naval service and helps ensure these important chapters of local and national history are not forgotten.

If you or a family member served in the Navy, or if you have photographs, letters, documents, memories, or other materials related to a Norwood sailor, we invite you to share them with the Norwood Historical Society. Community contributions help preserve these stories and honor the generations of Norwood residents who served their country in the United States Navy.

Charles Jones En Route Home For Discharge-This Day in Norwood History-January 4, 1962

Charles E. Joncs/ Ml 2/c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Jones of 102 Broadway, has arrived on the West Coast on the U.S.S. Oconto and is on his way home. Jones entered the Navy four years ago. He received his boot training at Great Lakes. Ill., and was assigned to the service school…
John R. Bouchard Is Midshipman At Pre-Flight School-This Day in Norwood History-January 3, 1947

John R. Bnuchard 19, son of Nelson Bouchard of 278 Vernon .street. Norwood has been selected and appointed a Midshipman. USN at the Navy’s only Pre-Flight School Ottumwa. Iowa, under the Naval Aviation Officers’ Candidate program. He is one of the first to be appointed tinder the program, marking the inauguration of the Halloway plan,…
Military Rites Conducted For Harold Stewart-This Day in Norwood History-June 30, 1946

This Day in Norwood History-June 30, 1946-Military Rites ConduA military funeral was conducted yesterday afternoon at the United Church for Harold F. Stewart, a highly decorated Navy veteran from Central Street who passed away in Chicago following a sudden illness while returning home from the Pacific.cted For Harold Stewart
Norwood In The Service-This Day In Norwood History-March 8, 1946

Off For The Army Two Norwood men who have signed up with the U. S. Army are shown being congratulated by Pfc. Francis X. Moynihan (center) at the Recruiting Station at the Norwood Post Office as they prepared to leave for duty. At the left is William Kelley, 19, of 14 St. George Avenue, who…
Roy J. Anderson Enlists In Navy-This Day in Norwood History-January 18, 1946

Among the host of applicants who (locked to the Navy recruiting stations after the holiday season was another Norwood man who signed up for a two year hitch in the regular Navy. He is Roy J. Anderson son of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Anderson of 13 East Hoyle street. The new Navy man attended Norwood…
Paul Collins Is Released After 32 Months In Navy-This Day in Norwood History-January 11, 1946

Paul Collins, son of Mr and Mrs. of 65 Winslow Avenue, Norwood, has received his discharge from the Navy after 32 months of service. After receiving his training at Newport. R. I., and River Creek, Maryland. Collins saw 12 months of duty in the Pacific, serving at Saipan and Guadalcanal among other places. He participated…
Lt. Charles Donahue Is Home As Civilian-October 19, 1945

Lt. Charles L. Donahue, who was chairman of the Norwood Board of Selectmen when he enlisted in the Navy three years ago, Is back in town as a civilian. He was released to Inactive duty in Boston on Tuesday, the day after his second child, a daughter, was born. Torpedoed twice. Lt. Donahue saw some…
Veteran of Three Services, Andrew J. Hewitt, Managing Guild Theatre-This Day In Norwood History-August 3, 1945

This Day In Norwood History-August 3, 1945-Veteran of Three Services, Andrew J. Hewitt, Managing Guild Theatre
Margaret Pendergast Is Bride of Matthew F. Foley, US Navy-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1945

Miss Margaret I Pendergast was married Sunday afternoon at 3.00 o’clock at St. Catherine’s Church to Matthew F. Foley, U.S.N Rt. Rev. Joseph C. Walsh officiated at the ceremony. The bride was dressed in a duchess satin gown trimmed with Venetian lace and carried a white prayer book. She was attended by her sister, Miss…
Raymond Daniels Takes Navy Oath-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1945

BOSTON, January 17—Raymond E. Daniels. of 162 Walpole street. Norwood, was among the scores of 17-year-old volunteers who took the Navy oath of allegiance yesterday at the Navy Recruiting Station in the Federal Building, Boston The new Navy Bluejacket attended Norwood High School He has a brother, William, who is a private first class in…