Somerset High School - Raider / Memoirs Yearbook (Somerset, MA)

Page 33 text:

Kenneth Cummings , Soundman 2 C Ken” Kenny” In February, 1943, Kenny abandoned high school for the most worthy cause of all, and donned the uniform of the U. S. Navy. Always interested in radio, Kenny entered this field and realized his ambition when he was recently appointed Sound¬ man on a destroyer escort. Previously, Ken had been stationed at Quonset, R. I. After returning to civ¬ ilian life, he will build his career upon the study of radio. Smooth sailing, Ken—the class will always remember your quick wit and affability. Pvt. Wesley Mathewson Gardner Wes” Wesley’s cooperation and responsibility are de¬ cided attributes to any organization; we hope the army appreciates our Wes. Inducted on July 29, 1943, Wesley left for Fort Devens and remained there for about a week before he reported to Fort McClellan, Alabama, for four months of basic train¬ ing in infantry replacement. Wes enjoyed an eight day leave in January before being sent to Fort Meade, Maryland. He sailed from New York and to his surprise, as well as ours, arrived in North Africa in February. Wes has certainly seen the world, for his present station is southern Italy. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon, Wes—loads of luck! Arthur Ironfield S 2 C Art” Although we have missed Art, we have never worried about him, for his happy-go-lucky nature and ready smile are assurances of immediate popu¬ larity. Art enlisted on March 17, 1943, and reported for eight weeks basic training at Sampson, New York. After “boot training,’ he traveled extensively, being stationed at Indianapolis and Norfolk, and going to school at Philadelphia for a short time. Since December, Art has been a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Kennebec. We are looking forward to seeing you soon Art, and until then may all your ventures be as successful and happy as was your life at Somerset High.

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ervicewien I do love my country’s good with a respect more tender and more holy than mine own life.” The Class of 1944 points with pride to those seven members who left home, friends and school life behind to join the various branches of the armed forces of the United States. There is little we can say, for their records are ample proof that they have remembered the tradition of Somerset High School. Our school motto, Carpe Diem,” is the rule our servicemen have chosen to abide by; in whats better fashion could they have seized the opportunity?” May we at home wish our classmates in uniform the success and hap¬ piness they so deserve. Cpl. Francis Rego Costa ff Frannie” When Frannie enlisted on April 5, 1943, the class realized that our loss was indeed the army’s gain. We lost our Treasurer, a position which Frannie had held for two successful years. He reported to Camp Edwards, where he was stationed until he re- received his A. P. O. number. Our Frannie is now serving his country as a member of an anti-aircraft unit somewhere in England. Cooperative and pro¬ gressive, Frannie will attain success in any field he chooses to conquer. Loads of luck Frannie, we fc£ proud of you.

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P. F. C. Christopher Kiley Chris” Chris left Somerset on August 29, 1943, and im¬ mediately put the valuable training he had received at high school to use, for Chris is now a typist at Camp Edwards. This position enables him to spend many week-ends at home, and this situation is equally pleasant for all Chris’ friends and classmates. As yet, his only plans are to return to civilian life. Your ability and ambition will help you to achieve your goal. Success and happiness, Chris. Augustine Motta, Jr. S 2 C Auggie” When Auggie enlisted in the U. S. Navy on March 30, 1943, the class lost a talented artist, an accomplished dancer, and a good friend. Auggie was sent to Sampson, New York, where he received his “boot training” and after a short leave he reported to Bainbridge, Maryland, to study Pharmacy. Upon graduation, Augustine was transferred to Ports¬ mouth, N. H. where he is now stationed. Although the class misses Augustine, we are confident of his future success and happiness. Pvt. Gilbert Perry Peanut” When Gil did not return to school last Sep¬ tember, we were minus an instructor in military drill, an acting class treasurer, and a grand fellow. Gil Perry joined the U. S. Army on June 29, 1943 and reported to Fort Devens. Because he had chosen a career in the Air Corps, he received his basic training at Greensboro, N. C. We next found Gil studying diligently at a school in Gulfport, Miss. He has graduated and is waiting to be appointed to a Gunnery School. May only the best things of life be yours, Gil.