A Soldier’s Surprise Birthday at Scott Air Force Base-October 19, 1965
Things have been happening mighty fast for 19-year-old Sgt. Gerald Mahoney of Norwood. For a young man whose every day since enlistment had been filled with surprises of one kind or another, his 19th birthday turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
The young airman was surprised with an extraordinary birthday party at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where his military transport flight stopped en route to the Chelsea Naval Hospital for treatment of combat wounds received in Vietnam.
Flight nurse 1st Lt. Maureen Harry learned of the milestone birthday while she and her patient were airborne on a long-haul flight from Travis Air Force Base in California to Scott. Springing into action, Lt. Harry radioed ahead to Scott AFB and ordered a birthday cake to be prepared for arrival.
Wounded in Action Alongside Childhood Friend-October 19, 1965
The celebration offered a welcome moment of joy for a soldier who had packed a lifetime of intense experiences into his brief military career. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Mahoney, Gerald Mahoney enlisted right after graduating from Norwood High School. Rising rapidly through the ranks, he achieved the rank of sergeant at just 18 years old while serving as a squad leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
His journey to a stateside hospital bed began during a perilous mission to capture an enemy ant hill guarded by the Viet Cong. Mahoney and his squad began scaling the slope when a hidden Viet Cong 30-caliber machine gun suddenly opened fire. Mahoney was struck three times—twice in the leg and once in the hand.
Miraculously sharing his fate was his close friend and squadmate, Specialist Fourth Class Charles Murphy. The two young men had enlisted together in Boston, been assigned to the exact same outfit, and were ultimately wounded on the very same hillside.
A Celebration to Remember-October 19, 1965
Instead of a dreary hospital stay far from home, Sgt. Mahoney found his stateside hospital bed surrounded by enthusiastic well-wishers, a custom-baked cake, a piano, and an impromptu “Happy Birthday” choir. Reflecting on the heartwarming outpouring of support during the long leg of his journey between Saigon and the Chelsea Naval Hospital, Sgt. Mahoney declared the unusual celebration “really something.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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The United Church Honors Veterans of World War II-This Day in Norwood History-November 12, 1946
Before a large congregation at the regular service of Divine Worship on Sunday morning, the United Church paid tribute to both the living and the dead of World War II ) Speaking on behalf of the Church, the Rev. Edmund A. Miller officially welcomed the returned men and women of the armed forces. “We were…
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110 War Veterans Honored At St. Peter’s Celebration-This Day in Norwood History-October 8, 1946
110 War Veterans Honored At St. Peter’s Celebration-This Day in Norwood History-October 8, 1946
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Two Norwood GI Buddies Are Discharged-This Day In Norwood History-February 22, 1946
Two South Norwood boys who have been all through the war together have both recently received their honorable discharges from the Army. Sgt. Albert Mike, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mike, 26 St. George Avenue, and Sgt. Shafie Boulis, son of Mrs. Kerrimie Boulis, Concord Avenue, have been in the service for three years…
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Brothers Pfc. Kenneth & Ralph Cashen Both Purple Heart Veterans, Discharged-This Day in Norwood History-January 4, 1946
Two Norwood brothers, Pfc. Kenneth J. Cashen of the Marines, and Ralph D. Cashen of the Army, both of whom have been presented the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, recently were discharged from the service. Pfc, Kenneth Cashen entered the Marine Corps in September, 1943 and received his boot training at Parris Island,…
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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
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Technical Sgt Arthur C Webber Promoted to Master Sergeant-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1945
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Local Marine Raymond B Rafuse Promoted To Sergeant-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1945
Sgt. Rafuse landed with assault troops on “D” day at Guam, but was wounded on the beach. He was evacuated to a Naval Hospital. Recently he returned to join his outfit. SOMEWHERE lN THE PACIFIC (Delayed) — Marine Sgt. Raymond B Rafuse, Jr., o£ 345 Winter street, Norwood, has been promoted to his present rank…
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John Mulvehill Promoted To Rank Of Major-Norwood WWII Veteran-January 12, 1945
Captain John J. Mulvehill, 15th A.A.F., of 23 Cottage Street, Norwood was promoted on Christmas Day to the rank of Major, it was learned here today. Major Mulvehill has been overseas for two and one-half years with the Flying Fortress unit. This unit participated in the African invasion and later at an Italian base took…
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First Sgt. Leonard J Masino Enjoys First Holidays Home In Four Years-This Day in Norwood History-December 29, 1944
After four years of overseas service, First Sgt. Leonard J Masino was able this year to spend the first Christmas during that tune with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Masino of 10 Park street. The long-awaited family reunion was not complete, however, because Leonard’s sister, Miss Arlene Masino, art supervisor of the East Hampton…
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Lt. Col. George T. Lee Has Flown Over 200 Missions-This Day in Norwood History-December 29, 1944
LT. COL. GEORGE T. LEE, of Norwood, recently promoted from Major in the Army Air Forces, is Deputy Group Commander of a veteran P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Group supporting Allied Ground Forces in northern Italy and has flown ever 200 combat missions. (12th Air Force Photo) Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the…
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