WAR MEMORIALS
WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL - MEMORIAL SQUARE MONUMENT
History of the World War One Memorial: The Stone was located in Medway in the Black Swamp just off the Cottage St extension in 1934. A group of Legionnaires from Post 208 under the direction of Arthur Smith using a team of oxen and a sled, removed the stone from the swamp. The stone was transported to its present location in Memorial Square opposite the Legion Post. The original stone was much larger then the present monument and was cut to accommodate both plaques and the eagle mounted atop the stone. The eagle was caste by Mr. Palasky, a Legion member and owner of the local package store. The monument was dedicated in May of 1935 in time for Memorial Day
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL
INDIVIDUAL MEMORIALS
PFC JOSEPH J. BAYRAMSHIAN
Location: Corner of Exchange Street and Middlesex Street
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
Joe was a gentle giant, the tallest boy in Millis High School, where he was a basketball star and from which he graduated in 1940. His first year in the Army was spent in Army Specialized Training Program. He was then transferred to the infantry. On his last furlough home before shipping out overseas, he told his sisters, Mary and Alexia, that he would not be seeing them again. "I'm too big a target." he said. He asked them not to tell his mother and father. He died in the battle of Normandy, France, of a gunshot wound to the chest. He was indeed too big a target. Joe is buried in the Brittany American Military Cemetery, France. His monument in Millis is at the corner of Main and Union Streets, near his boyhood home.
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
Joe was a gentle giant, the tallest boy in Millis High School, where he was a basketball star and from which he graduated in 1940. His first year in the Army was spent in Army Specialized Training Program. He was then transferred to the infantry. On his last furlough home before shipping out overseas, he told his sisters, Mary and Alexia, that he would not be seeing them again. "I'm too big a target." he said. He asked them not to tell his mother and father. He died in the battle of Normandy, France, of a gunshot wound to the chest. He was indeed too big a target. Joe is buried in the Brittany American Military Cemetery, France. His monument in Millis is at the corner of Main and Union Streets, near his boyhood home.
CPL ERNEST P. CLEWES
Location: Waites Park at the corner of Myrtle Street and Pleasant Street
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Ernie was 5 foot 11 inches tall, weighed 171 pounds, had brown hair and a nice smile. He was 34 years old when he volunteered for service in November of 1942. Having been brought up on a farm on Dean Street in Rockville, he was destined to become an expert equestrian. That is how many of us remember him, riding horses at the Gavin farm on Main Street. So it was no surprise that he joined Troop B, 5th Cavalry. He was killed in action by a gunshot on 4 March, 1944 on Los Negros, Admiralty Islands, in the battle for Momote Air Strip. He left his wife Florence, and his children, Sylvia, Owen, Katherine and James.
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Ernie was 5 foot 11 inches tall, weighed 171 pounds, had brown hair and a nice smile. He was 34 years old when he volunteered for service in November of 1942. Having been brought up on a farm on Dean Street in Rockville, he was destined to become an expert equestrian. That is how many of us remember him, riding horses at the Gavin farm on Main Street. So it was no surprise that he joined Troop B, 5th Cavalry. He was killed in action by a gunshot on 4 March, 1944 on Los Negros, Admiralty Islands, in the battle for Momote Air Strip. He left his wife Florence, and his children, Sylvia, Owen, Katherine and James.
SGT THOMAS M. CLEWES
Location: Waites Park at the corner of Myrtle Street and Pleasant Street
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Brother of Ernie, Tommy was also a celebrated equestrian, who often rode with the Norfolk Hunt Club in Medfield. We remember the times he took our breath away by riding and jumping bareback. Graduated Millis High School in 1933. Good football player. Very personable and well liked. Caught in ambush, he was killed by a gunshot wound to the abdomen. His buddy Orlando Giallanardo, who was with him on the fatal patrol, says, "He was the bravest man I ever knew." He left behind his wife Gladys and his daughter Bonny Jean. The Clewes brothers are buried side by side in the American Military Cemetery in Manila, The Philippines. Their monuments are also side-by-side in Waite Park in the Rockville section of Millis.
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Brother of Ernie, Tommy was also a celebrated equestrian, who often rode with the Norfolk Hunt Club in Medfield. We remember the times he took our breath away by riding and jumping bareback. Graduated Millis High School in 1933. Good football player. Very personable and well liked. Caught in ambush, he was killed by a gunshot wound to the abdomen. His buddy Orlando Giallanardo, who was with him on the fatal patrol, says, "He was the bravest man I ever knew." He left behind his wife Gladys and his daughter Bonny Jean. The Clewes brothers are buried side by side in the American Military Cemetery in Manila, The Philippines. Their monuments are also side-by-side in Waite Park in the Rockville section of Millis.
PVT RAYMOND J CURRY
Location: Corner of Main and Exchange Streets
Raymond Curry was born in Hopkinton, Mass. Because his parents died when he was very young, he was sent to live in Millis with his aunt, Mrs. Holder, who lived at 105 Plain Street. He died of illness while still in the United States. He was in the 5th Cavalry of the US Army. He died February 26, 1919. His remains lie in St. John's cemetery, Hopkinton. In 1935,the corner of Main and Exchange Streets was named after hirn. On May 24th a monument at the same location was dedicated to him.
Raymond Curry was born in Hopkinton, Mass. Because his parents died when he was very young, he was sent to live in Millis with his aunt, Mrs. Holder, who lived at 105 Plain Street. He died of illness while still in the United States. He was in the 5th Cavalry of the US Army. He died February 26, 1919. His remains lie in St. John's cemetery, Hopkinton. In 1935,the corner of Main and Exchange Streets was named after hirn. On May 24th a monument at the same location was dedicated to him.
PVT LEONARD DECENZO
Location: At the corner of Lavender Street and Exchange StreetAfter graduating Millis High School in 1951 Leonard DiCenzo served in the Massachusetts National Guard prior to entering active service in the U.S. Army.
SSG HAROLD HALL
Location: Intersection of Orchard Street and Middlesex Street
Harold came to Millis as a young boy to live in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Stephens on Union Street. He was often to be found in the home of Mrs. Stephens's sister, Mrs. Millard B. LaCroix. A quiet, independent boy, he gradually became part of the East Millis gang. He attended Millis High School. Harold was killed in a plane crash on a training mission in the United States. He now lies in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis.
Harold came to Millis as a young boy to live in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Stephens on Union Street. He was often to be found in the home of Mrs. Stephens's sister, Mrs. Millard B. LaCroix. A quiet, independent boy, he gradually became part of the East Millis gang. He attended Millis High School. Harold was killed in a plane crash on a training mission in the United States. He now lies in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis.
SGT HARRY M. HIMELFARB
Location: Corner of Himelfarb Street and Village Street
Harry Melvin "Happy" Himelfarb was born in London, England. He came to Millis as a very young boy and lived here on the family farm, known as the Himelfarb Farm, which was on the corner of what was Green Street and Village Street. Harry was attached to Headquarters Battalion, First Army, as a truck driver, and died as a truck driver on the twenty-eighth of January 1919, in a truck accident, in Chaumont, France. He was buried in France. Later, his family chose to have his body re-interred here, in the United States. On Memorial Day, 1935, this square was renamed Harry Himelfarb Street, in honor of Harry "Happy" Himelfarb. The story does not end here. For the past two years we have been looking for his gravesite because his Army records said his remains lie in Beth Israel Cemetery, West Roxbury. We searched Beth Israel Cemetery, looking at every monument there and every cemetery near it. Until, finally one day, Vincent Gannon and I, Julius Rosen, went to the Worcester Armory where the Army Records are kept. There is where we found that the W.P.A. had made records of World War One gravesites. And they have it recorded that he was buried at Beth Abraham Cemetery, in West Roxbury. There, at last, Clifford Thatcher spotted the beautiful stone monument with his name inscribed on it. We dedicate this monument in the memory of Harry Melvin "Happy" Himelfarb. May this fitting monument remind us of him now and in the future, as long as this stone shall last. Let us remember him as long as we can.
Harry Melvin "Happy" Himelfarb was born in London, England. He came to Millis as a very young boy and lived here on the family farm, known as the Himelfarb Farm, which was on the corner of what was Green Street and Village Street. Harry was attached to Headquarters Battalion, First Army, as a truck driver, and died as a truck driver on the twenty-eighth of January 1919, in a truck accident, in Chaumont, France. He was buried in France. Later, his family chose to have his body re-interred here, in the United States. On Memorial Day, 1935, this square was renamed Harry Himelfarb Street, in honor of Harry "Happy" Himelfarb. The story does not end here. For the past two years we have been looking for his gravesite because his Army records said his remains lie in Beth Israel Cemetery, West Roxbury. We searched Beth Israel Cemetery, looking at every monument there and every cemetery near it. Until, finally one day, Vincent Gannon and I, Julius Rosen, went to the Worcester Armory where the Army Records are kept. There is where we found that the W.P.A. had made records of World War One gravesites. And they have it recorded that he was buried at Beth Abraham Cemetery, in West Roxbury. There, at last, Clifford Thatcher spotted the beautiful stone monument with his name inscribed on it. We dedicate this monument in the memory of Harry Melvin "Happy" Himelfarb. May this fitting monument remind us of him now and in the future, as long as this stone shall last. Let us remember him as long as we can.
SEAMAN 2ND CLASS JOSEPH E. KEARNEY JR.
Location: Corner of Winter Street and Dale Avenue
Decorations: Purple Heart
Joe entered the Navy at age 17, and trained in Newport, Rhode Island. In less than six months he went to sea as a gunner on the Victory Ship Louise Lykes. On 12 June, 1943, the ship, which was off the coast of Scotland, was torpedoed and 10 men were lost, among them, Joe Kearney. His neighbor, Buddy Shropshire, remembers him as an easy going young man, with a circle of close friends, one of whom who was George I. Russell, later killed in combat in Normandy. Joe Kearney is memorialized on the Wall of the Missing at Battery Park, New York City. He was the youngest Millis serviceman to lose his life in World War II. His memorial in Millis is at the corner of Winter Street and Buddy Kearney Lane.
Decorations: Purple Heart
Joe entered the Navy at age 17, and trained in Newport, Rhode Island. In less than six months he went to sea as a gunner on the Victory Ship Louise Lykes. On 12 June, 1943, the ship, which was off the coast of Scotland, was torpedoed and 10 men were lost, among them, Joe Kearney. His neighbor, Buddy Shropshire, remembers him as an easy going young man, with a circle of close friends, one of whom who was George I. Russell, later killed in combat in Normandy. Joe Kearney is memorialized on the Wall of the Missing at Battery Park, New York City. He was the youngest Millis serviceman to lose his life in World War II. His memorial in Millis is at the corner of Winter Street and Buddy Kearney Lane.
1LT STANLEY B. POLLARD
Location: Corner of Union Street and Exchange Street
Decorations: Purple Heart
Stanley came to Millis with his family as a young man from North Adams. He worked for a time at the Clicquot Club before joining the Marine Corps. We remember him walking around town in his dress blues. He was commanding officer of a pack howitzer unit of the 12th Marine Field Artillary when he was killed in action at Piva Forks, Bougainville. He left behind his parents, his brother Fred and his sisters, Betty, Lucy, Barbara and Winnie. He is buried at the US Military Cemetery, Manilla. His monument is at the corner of Exchange and Union Streets in Millis.
Decorations: Purple Heart
Stanley came to Millis with his family as a young man from North Adams. He worked for a time at the Clicquot Club before joining the Marine Corps. We remember him walking around town in his dress blues. He was commanding officer of a pack howitzer unit of the 12th Marine Field Artillary when he was killed in action at Piva Forks, Bougainville. He left behind his parents, his brother Fred and his sisters, Betty, Lucy, Barbara and Winnie. He is buried at the US Military Cemetery, Manilla. His monument is at the corner of Exchange and Union Streets in Millis.
CPL ALAN A. RUSSELL
Location. At the foot of McCabe Avenue (side-by-side with his brother George)
Decorations: Combat infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Allen came to Millis as a boy from Arlington, Massachusetts. His family lived at 15 McCabe Avenue. He was tall, slim, with big blue eyes, brown hair and a gleasant smile. He was quiet and introspective, yet very friendly. He matured when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed at Camp Miles Standish in Plymouth, Mass. He walked around the neighborhood all dressed up in his new khaki uniform. Allen joined the infantry in August of 1940, and was sent to the Philippines, where he was placed in the 31st Regiment. In the fierce battle at Visayan, Mindanao, shortly after Pearl Harbor, his unit was totally annihilated where he was listed as Missing in Action on December 20, 1941. He is memorialized on the wall at the American Military Cemetery in Manila.
Decorations: Combat infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Allen came to Millis as a boy from Arlington, Massachusetts. His family lived at 15 McCabe Avenue. He was tall, slim, with big blue eyes, brown hair and a gleasant smile. He was quiet and introspective, yet very friendly. He matured when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed at Camp Miles Standish in Plymouth, Mass. He walked around the neighborhood all dressed up in his new khaki uniform. Allen joined the infantry in August of 1940, and was sent to the Philippines, where he was placed in the 31st Regiment. In the fierce battle at Visayan, Mindanao, shortly after Pearl Harbor, his unit was totally annihilated where he was listed as Missing in Action on December 20, 1941. He is memorialized on the wall at the American Military Cemetery in Manila.
PVT GEORGE I. RUSSELL
Location. At the foot of McCabe Avenue (side-by-side with his brother Alan)
Decorations: combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Younger brother of Allen, George was outgoing, had a group of dose friends, especially Buddy Kearney who was lost at sea. He attended Millis High school. He was killed -in action during heavy fighting in southern Normandy, July 6, 1944, a month after the invasion as a member of the 357th Infantry, 90th Division. A son, William George survives hirn. He is buried in the town cemetery in Arlington, Mass. His monurnent is side-by--side brother Allen at the foot of McCabe Avenue in Millis.
Decorations: combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Younger brother of Allen, George was outgoing, had a group of dose friends, especially Buddy Kearney who was lost at sea. He attended Millis High school. He was killed -in action during heavy fighting in southern Normandy, July 6, 1944, a month after the invasion as a member of the 357th Infantry, 90th Division. A son, William George survives hirn. He is buried in the town cemetery in Arlington, Mass. His monurnent is side-by--side brother Allen at the foot of McCabe Avenue in Millis.
TECH SGT JOSEPH E. TAMULEVIZ
Location: Corner of Curve and Union Streets
Decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross, soldier's Medal, Airmen's Medal, with 6 oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart.
Joe lived on Irving Street in East Millis. Harold Curran tells us he was well liked by his peers and all who knew him. After graduation from Millis High school in 1941, he worked for a time at Joseph M. Herman's. He then entered the Army Air Force in which he completed 51 missions and accumulated 330 hours of combat flying time. On a flight back from bombing the Ploesti Oil Fields, as member of the 512 Army Air Force Bomb Squadron, in Romania on August 1, 1943, his liberator bomber broke apart in mid-air and fell into the Mediterranean Sea 50 miles off shore. Of the 10 men on board, only three survived. For his heroism in saving the life of the pilot despite his own wounds, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Joe returned to Millis in 1945, but was in ill health. He died suddenly on 17 June 1949, as a result of the wounds he suffered in combat. Joe is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Millis.
Decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross, soldier's Medal, Airmen's Medal, with 6 oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart.
Joe lived on Irving Street in East Millis. Harold Curran tells us he was well liked by his peers and all who knew him. After graduation from Millis High school in 1941, he worked for a time at Joseph M. Herman's. He then entered the Army Air Force in which he completed 51 missions and accumulated 330 hours of combat flying time. On a flight back from bombing the Ploesti Oil Fields, as member of the 512 Army Air Force Bomb Squadron, in Romania on August 1, 1943, his liberator bomber broke apart in mid-air and fell into the Mediterranean Sea 50 miles off shore. Of the 10 men on board, only three survived. For his heroism in saving the life of the pilot despite his own wounds, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Joe returned to Millis in 1945, but was in ill health. He died suddenly on 17 June 1949, as a result of the wounds he suffered in combat. Joe is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Millis.
PFC BENEDICT VEINER
Location: Corner of Farm Street and Village Street
Benny grew up on Village Street and graduated from Millis High School in 1933. He was a favorite at the hotels in the town, where he worked and helped to entertain the guests. He was tall and slim, a real Dapper Dan. Classmate Sam Howie of Millis High School said that he was very talented and might have become a professional comedian. He was killed in an accident while on duty with the Army Medical Corps at New Caledonia, New Guinea. He left behind his parents, Annie & Jacob, a brother, George, and three sisters, Celia, Besse, and Elizabeth. He is buried in the Boylston Lodge Cemetery, West Roxbury/Dedham.
Benny grew up on Village Street and graduated from Millis High School in 1933. He was a favorite at the hotels in the town, where he worked and helped to entertain the guests. He was tall and slim, a real Dapper Dan. Classmate Sam Howie of Millis High School said that he was very talented and might have become a professional comedian. He was killed in an accident while on duty with the Army Medical Corps at New Caledonia, New Guinea. He left behind his parents, Annie & Jacob, a brother, George, and three sisters, Celia, Besse, and Elizabeth. He is buried in the Boylston Lodge Cemetery, West Roxbury/Dedham.
CPL VINCENT YARUSH
Location: Prospect Hill Cemetary, Millis, MA
22nd Infantry Regiment 4th Division
Killed in Action, December 2, 1944 Hurtgen Forest, Germany
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart Sketch: Vinny was born in Millis in 1922, lived at 28 Parnell Street, went to the Millis schools and then went to work at the Herman Shoe Company. He enlisted shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, reporting first to glider training and then to the 22nd Regiment. After fighting its way across France, the troops were sent into the the vicious battle of the Hurtgen forest. Vinny was killed on December 2nd, almost at the end of the battle. The temperature was cold and the snow was deep, so Vinny's body was not found until the Spring thaw. He was first buried in Holland, and later returned to Millis for burial in Prospect Hill cemetery where he lies today. He was tall and slim and frlendly, we remember him best riding around town on his bicycle. He was survived by his father, his sister Albina, and three brothers, Albert, John, and Frank. He served under the family name of Vincentus Yarusesicius. His monument is at the corner of Pleasant and village streets in Millis.
22nd Infantry Regiment 4th Division
Killed in Action, December 2, 1944 Hurtgen Forest, Germany
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart Sketch: Vinny was born in Millis in 1922, lived at 28 Parnell Street, went to the Millis schools and then went to work at the Herman Shoe Company. He enlisted shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, reporting first to glider training and then to the 22nd Regiment. After fighting its way across France, the troops were sent into the the vicious battle of the Hurtgen forest. Vinny was killed on December 2nd, almost at the end of the battle. The temperature was cold and the snow was deep, so Vinny's body was not found until the Spring thaw. He was first buried in Holland, and later returned to Millis for burial in Prospect Hill cemetery where he lies today. He was tall and slim and frlendly, we remember him best riding around town on his bicycle. He was survived by his father, his sister Albina, and three brothers, Albert, John, and Frank. He served under the family name of Vincentus Yarusesicius. His monument is at the corner of Pleasant and village streets in Millis.
