Fort Taber Flag in New Bedford To Honor Father John B. DeValles WWI Veteran Awarded for Heroism

During the month of January, the 52nd Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Rev. Father John Baptist DeValles, a WWI Veteran who was awarded for “extraordinary heroism and exceptional devotion to his duty.”

He was born, Joa Baptista DeValles, on Aug. 29, 1879 on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, and emigrated to the United States at the age of two years old, eventually residing at 39 Ingram St., New Bedford. He attended local schools and studied for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1906, serving in local parishes in New Bedford and Fall River.

According to the War Records Dept., “When the United States entered World War I in 1917, despite being nearly 40 years old, (DeValles) set aside his comfortable life to volunteer as a chaplain through the Knights of Columbus and was attached to the Massachusetts National Guard’s 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th “Yankee” Division. He was appointed to First Lieutenant (1LT) Chaplain on July 17, 1918. The Yankee Division was organized from National Guard units throughout New England and as the first entire U.S. division to arrive in France, it saw action in every major campaign of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF).”

The AEF helped the French Army on the Western Front during the Aisne Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. DeValles took part in the Defensive Champagne-Marne; Offensive Aisne-Marne; St. Mihiel; and Defensive Sectors: Rupt (Lorraine) and Troyon (Lorraine).
He was known as the “Angel of the trenches” often in “no man’s land,” comforting the injured and carrying the wounded to aid stations, administering to the dying. He made no distinction between allies or Germans.

Father DeValles returned to the United States with the Yankee Division in 1919 but died in May 1920 of abdominal cancer at St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, MA at the age of 41, due to exposure to mustard gas in France. He was awarded the nation’s second highest military decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross, posthumously by Major General Clarence Edward, former Commanding General of the Yankee Division. “For extraordinary heroism in action near Apremont, Toul sector, France, April 10 to 13, 1918. Chaplain DeValles repeatedly exposed himself to heavy artillery and machine-gun fire in order to assist in the removal of the wounded from exposed points in advance of the lines. He worked for long periods of time with stretcher bearers in carrying wounded men to safety. Chaplain DeValles previously rendered gallant service in the Chemin des Dames sector, March 11, 1918, by remaining with a group of wounded during a heavy enemy bombardment.”

He was also awarded the foreign decorations of the French Croix de Guerre with gilt star, under General Order No. 736-A, dated April 26, 1918, 32nd French Army Corps, with the following citation: “Extraordinary heroism and exceptional devotion to his duty. Under uninterrupted enemy fire, did not cease to care for the wounded and to encourage to renewed efforts the men worn out by hard fighting.”

Some insight as to what the soldiers went through during WWI as documented by WWI letters explained that “there were no trenches in the area of the front, little wire and no shelters (dugouts). Rather, defenses were designed for open warfare and consisted of shallow foxholes covered with brush, positioned to provide mutually supporting fire along with numerous machine gun positions. The outpost line and principal resistance line were separated by a 1,000 yard artillery barrage zone designed to break up any attack that overran the outposts. Occupants of the outposts had the usual mission of fighting to the last man with no hope of reinforcement. At all hours, troops of the outpost line were fired on by machine guns and artillery of the German 7th Army. Food and water had to be carried to the forward troops by ration details through machine gun fire under cover of darkness. The troops suffered a high number of casualties due to heavy gas exposure.”

In October 1920, shortly after Chaplain DeValles’ death, the Katherine Street School in New Bedford was rededicated as the John B. DeValles School in his honor.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.




Small Christmas miracle takes place in New Bedford as stolen bicycle is returned to 9-year old boy

On the morning of December 10th, an upset mom messaged us to report that her 9-year old son’s most treasured possession was stolen from their home.

“STOLEN BIKE:

“Someone stole my son’s bike he got for Christmas last year. It’s a black Tony Hawk bike with tan wheels however the back tire has a bald spot right down the middle due to him always sliding it claiming he was doing tricks such as burn outs.

It was in our back hallway where we live and is now missing. Can everyone please help keep an eye out for it and if so possibly get it returned? This is not a bike that everyone has so it should be easy to spot. My son is only 9 and he really loved his bike and some scum just had to go and steal it.

This happened on Allen St., #NewBedford and it had to have been between midnight last night to early morning. Please call the NBPD at (508) 991-6300. -Ashley Ramos.”


Ashley Ramos photo.

As most people know, when something is stolen odds are you can just kiss it goodbye or it is either busted down for parts or sold to a pawn shop. And many cynics would say, “That’s so New Bedford. New Bedford sucks.”

However, the truth is that New Bedford is filled with good, decent, people. Yes, there are some real jerks, but the truth is that most people in the city are good and want to prove it by helping people in time of need get a meal, a jacket, some clothing, a place to sleep, or help spread the word about a missing cat, dog, or wallet, or perhaps just offer a word of encouragement, inspiration or good ol fashioned advice.

That’s exactly what happened. After we shared the post, the good people of New Bedford spread the word and kept an eye out fr the bike as they commuted or walked around the city.

And guess what? The bike was spotted and returned to the delight of this 9-year old boy!

“My son’s bike has been returned! Thank you sooo very much for helping spread the word. We where able to get it back thanks to the posts and people sharing it. My son is beyond happy to have his bike back. Thank you so very much.”

Don’t ever let people tell you that New Bedford sucks, because New Bedford is a spectacular place and the residents are awesome human beings.


Ashley Ramos photo.




Fort Taber Flag To Honor WWII New Bedford Veteran PFC Irving C. Kaplan

During the month of December, the 51st Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of PFC Irving Chandler Kaplan, of New Bedford, a WWII veteran who was killed in Germany in 1945.

Kaplan, who lived at 26th Eight St., New Bedford, was born on July 6, 1915. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kaplan. According to the archives at the University of Massachusetts Library, Kaplan attended Boston University and Harvard University Law School and went on to practice law in New Bedford, with offices in the National Bank Building.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 14, 1942 and served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. PFC Kaplan was killed on August 25, 1945, at the age of 30, as the result of an accident while serving in Kassel Germany during WWII.

According to army.mil, throughout WWII, the Signal Corps served a variety of functions and had the responsibility for one of the most important systems used during World War II – radar. Success in combat depended on good communications and that was the Signal Corps’ main mission. At its peak strength in the fall of 1944, the Signal Corps was comprised of over 350,000 officers and men, over six times more than had served in WWI.

According to army.mil, “In addition to sending messages, the Signal Corps retained responsibility for the Army’s signal security and intelligence activity. The 2nd Signal Service Company performed intelligence-gathering duties.”

Another specialized field that fell under the Signal Corps function was photography. “Its value and versatility reached new levels, especially during the second half of the war, partially due to improvements in training and organization. The Signal Corps created orientation and training films, using the talents of notables such as Frank Capra, who was commissioned as a major in the Signal Corps in 1942, and Theodor Seuss Geisel, who served as a member of Capra’s documentary film crew. The Signal Corps also created an unprecedented pictorial record of World War II.”

Members of the Jewish War Veterans New Bedford Post 154 erected a monument in Irving Kaplan’s honor. On June 19, 1949, a parade and memorial service were held, and Kaplan Square was dedicated in his honor. Kaplan Square is located at the intersection of Fair and Bolton Streets in the South End of New Bedford.

“If you take County Street south to Fair St. and turn right, you will drive straight to this monument in the middle of the Portuguese community which was then populated by many Jewish,” according to an article at the UMASS Library archives.

“In 1997 the 6th grade class of Mrs. Susan Baroody of the Congdon School took it on as a local beautification project to refurbish and replant the Kaplan memorial. It was rededicated on June 18, 1997, by the Jewish War Veterans in conjunction with the city of New Bedford.”




New Bedford Military Museum seeks help finding pictures of faceless Medal of Honor recipients

Within New Bedford’s military museum in Fort Taber, you can find a wall displaying the 9 medal of honor recipients of New Bedford. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. According to the “National Medal of Honor Museum”, of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War, only 3,517 have earned the Medal of Honor.

Two of the nine New Bedford recipients have no photograph or painted portrait to display in our military museum, or any museum for that matter. I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone has any historical photographs or paintings which could resemble these two individuals, please reach out as you will quite literally be holding on to a one-of-one historical photograph.

___________________________________________________________________________


Steven Richard photo.

The first Medal of Honor recipient is William P Brownell who was born in New York on July 12th, 1839 and died in New York on April 26th, 1915. He is buried in OAK GROVE CEMETERY (MH) (GG-31), NEW BEDFORD, MA, UNITED STATES.

• RANK: COXSWAIN (HIGHEST RANK: ACTING MASTER’S MATE)
• CONFLICT/ERA: U.S. CIVIL WAR
• UNIT/COMMAND: U.S.S. BENTON
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. NAVY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: MAY 22, 1863
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: GREAT GULF BAY & VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, USA

“Served as coxswain on board the U.S.S. Benton during the attack on Great Gulf Bay, 2 May 1863, and Vicksburg, 22 May 1863. Carrying out his duties with coolness and courage, Brownell served gallantly against the enemy as captain of a 9-inch gun in the attacks on Great Gulf and Vicksburg and as a member of the Battery Benton before Vicksburg.”

___________________________________________________________________________


Steven Richard photo.

The next Medal of Honor recipient is Philip Bazaar who was born in Chile with no birth date available and died on December 28th, 1923 in New York City. He is buried in CALVARY CEMETERY (BURIED AS BAZAN), NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES and his award is accredited to New Bedford, MA.

• ALSO KNOWN AS: BAZAN, PHILIP
• RANK: ORDINARY SEAMAN
• CONFLICT/ERA: U.S. CIVIL WAR
• UNIT/COMMAND: U.S.S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. NAVY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: JANUARY 15, 1865
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: FORT FISHER, NORTH CAROLINA, USA

“On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals onshore, O.S. Bazaar bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was one of six men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet.”

I’m sure historians have searched endlessly for photographs of these gentlemen, so I know it is a long shot to find any photographs or paintings. But if there are any in existence, I would have to believe they would exist stored away in the attic of a south coast families home who has no idea that they are holding on to a piece of American history.




How New Bedford’s William H. Carney became an American Hero, first black Medal of Honor recipient

Buried in the Oak Grove cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts is an American Hero whose legend should be taught in history books across the country. Army Sgt. William H. Carney is the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Serving on the legendary Massachusetts 54th regiment in the Civil War, he earned the Medal of Honor during the “Charge of Fort Wagner”. When the unit’s color guard was killed, Carney stepped forth, picked up the American flag, and rallied his troops up the hill towards almost certain death. It’s important to emphasize that 270 of the 600 members of the 54th regiment were killed in this battle. These men truly embodied what it meant to “Live free or die”.

With the flag in his hand, Carney was shot several times, yet refused to let the flag hit the ground. He planted the flag at the base of the fort and held it upright until his nearly lifeless body was rescued.

Miraculously, he survived, and when rescued he looked up at his fellow soldiers and told them, “Boys, the old flag never touched the ground”. Check out this video highlighting the moment William Carney earned his medal of honor.




Historical displays in disrepair or outright destroyed at Fort Taber draw ire of New Bedford veterans

On Wednesday afternoon I paid a visit to the military museum at Fort Rodman in New Bedford. This is an amazing place to get lost in history, and if you are from the area you might even see memorabilia of an old family member which you did not know existed. I stumbled upon a photo of my uncle who served in Korea!

While there are endless stories I plan to cover, I felt obligated to address the concerns of the veterans who volunteer at the museum. When I told them I am a local journalist, every single volunteer pleaded that I help them get the signs repaired at the Fort. It’s a simple request, yet they have had no luck getting the City of New Bedford to complete this task.

When leaving the museum I asked myself, “How bad could these signs really be?” As I walked out the door one volunteer who is also a Vietnam veteran, gave me his final pitch and told me to go take a look for myself.

I took a walk along Fort Taber and snapped some photos of the displays which should stand as an educational resource to teach the public about the rich history of New Bedford. I will just post the photos and let you decide if these displays are something to be proud of…


Steven Richard photo.


Steven Richard photo.


Steven Richard photo.


Steven Richard photo.




Names of five police officers, two K-9s added to memorial of fallen officers in Wareham

The community gathered around the Wareham Police Memorial on Thursday evening for the addition of 7 names being added to the memorial. The addition was for 5 former police officers, Kenneth Baptiste, Gordon Lopes, Theodore Weygandt, Dennis Damata and Ralph Forni. Also added were two former canine members, K-9 Cago and K-9 Rolf.

Police Chief Walter Correia read the names of all 53 individuals that are now being honored on the memorial. We livestreamed the entire presentation which you can watch below.




New Bedford’s Fort Taber Flag To Honor WWII Veteran SGT Harold H. J. Clasky

During the month of November, the 50th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of SGT Harold H. J. Clasky, the namesake of Clasky Common Park in New Bedford, MA.

Mr. Clasky was born in Russia on March 2, 1896, and according to the library archives at UMASS Dartmouth, lived his early life in Brockton, MA, attending the Brockton public schools.

According to the War Records Dept., Clasky registered with the selective service on June 5, 1917, at the age of 21. On August 26, 1918, he was inducted into the Army of the United States and served in the 18th Regiment Field Artillery Replacement Depot at Camp Jackson, SC. He was honorably discharged at Camp Devens, Mass. Jan. 10, 1919.

Clasky continued his education, earning a degree from the Boston University School of Business. He moved to New Bedford in 1931.

Then, on Mar. 10, 1941, Clasky enlisted in Co. H 25th Infantry Regiment Massachusetts State Guard for a term of three years. He was honorably discharged Mar. 9, 1944, per expiration of service. The following day he re-enlisted into 8th Co. 28th Infantry Regiment MSG. He was honorably discharged Jan. 31, 1947, per disbandment of the company. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal for his military service.
In 1952, his wife, Ida Fox, passed away in 1952 at the age of 45. Harold Clasky passed away on January 28, 1969, at the age of 72.

Clasky was known as a popular political figure in New Bedford and beyond. According to the UMASS Dartmouth Library archives, “He was a Jewish state senator noted for work he accomplished in the community. He served as a New Bedford Councilor-At-Large from 1952-1953 and 1956-1965 and as a Massachusetts State Senator representing the 3rd Bristol District from 1965 to 1969. Originally a life insurance agent by trade, he was involved in a number of local organizations including the American Legion, the Jewish War Veterans, and the Jonah Lodge of the B’nai Brith.”

He was remembered as “A most approachable and magnanimous man who served as a model of inspiration to everyone, no matter his or her faith, background or creed. He always had courage and will for a devoted and longtime career for public service. He brought no arrogance of power to office, only dedication, devotion, and a loyalty to the people he represented–a rare example of a man of the highest integrity and principle. Succinctly, he was an outstanding man of our times, a man of singular achievement, a righteous American, a superb politician and above all, a decent human being of quintessential goodwill and civility,” as quoted by Mel B. Yoken, Ph.D., Chancellor Professor of French, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The popular park on County Street in New Bedford, known today as “Clasky Common Park,” was renamed and dedicated to Mr. Harold H. J. Clasky on October 13, 1969.




New Bedford celebrates “Functional Zero” veteran homelessness for third straight year

On Monday morning we were invited to tour the Veterans Transition House facilities in New Bedford. Before the tour began, we listened in on a meeting with elected officials and other leaders in the veteran community. It’s apparent that assisting homeless veterans has been a top priority in New Bedford as today marked a third consecutive year achieving “functional zero” veteran homelessness in the city.

We spoke with Jason Stripnis, Business Manager & Chief Financial Officer of the Veterans Transition House to gain more knowledge on the hard work happening behind the scenes.

The Veterans Transition House currently has 83 veterans in housing. Mayor Mitchell toured the facility and spoke with veteran leadership.

If you’re interested in listening to the meeting for yourself, we recorded it in its entirety.

If you are a veteran in need or you know a veteran who is struggling, please reach out to the Veterans Transition House. They are an amazing organization that is making a huge difference in the lives of veterans in New Bedford.




Fort Taber Flag To Honor New Bedford’s Corporal Tiago Reis, Vietnam Veteran Killed In Action

During the month of September, the 48th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Tiago Reis of New Beford who was killed in action while serving with the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Reis was born on February 15, 1947 in St. Michael, the Azores, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Luis Reis. He lived on Rivet Street in New Bedford, MA. Reis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 15, 1965, at the age of 18, and began his active duty career on February 8, 1966.

Corporal Reis was killed in action on September 21, 1967, at the age of 20, while serving in the Vietnam War. According to a letter written by Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Assistant to Head, Casualty Section from the Department of the Navy, CPL Reis died “in the vicinity of Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam as the result of fragmentation wounds sustained from a hostile mortar while participating in an operation against hostile forces.”

“The Vietnam War was a long, costly and divisive conflict that pitted the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States,” according to history.com. “The conflict was intensified by the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. More than 3 million people (including over 58,000 Americans) were killed in the Vietnam War, and more than half of the dead were Vietnamese civilians.”

According to the website marines.mil, “As 1967 began, the 3d Marine Div. was fighting two wars: a conventional one along with DMZ, where division confronted division, and a counter guerrilla war in the rest of Quan Tri and Thua Thien province. Although committed to both campaigns, the situation forced the division to give priority to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).”

Quang Tri province, where corporal Reis was killed, was part of the DMZ. According to Wikipedia, “The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone was a demilitarized zone at the 17th parallel in Quang Tri province that was established as the dividing line between the two countries i.e. North Vietnam and South Vietnam from 22 July 1954 to 2 July 1976 when Vietnam was officially divided into the two military gathering areas, which was intended to be sustained in the short term after the First Indochina War.

Corporal Tiago Reis served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com.