By William P. O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds
As Veterans Day approaches, let us take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. From the earliest days of our nation to the present, veterans have stood in defense of our freedoms, often at great personal cost. Here in Norfolk County, we are fortunate to have a rich history of military service, stories of courage, commitment, and community that deserve to be remembered.
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| GOOD DEEDS: Honoring Our Local Veterans |
Throughout the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County, individuals have answered the call to serve in every major conflict. Some returned home to build lives and families, while others made the ultimate sacrifice. Each story is a thread in the fabric of our shared history. In our Notable Land Records booklet “We Remember Our Veterans” we highlight the lives of local heroes who served with distinction.
Among them are:
2nd Lieutenant Alton Wood of Braintree led a patrol in WWI and was mortally wounded while ensuring his men’s safety. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in “No Man’s Land.” Wood grew up at 8 Washington Place and graduated from Braintree High School in 1907. Braintree proclaimed May 4, 2018, as “2nd Lieutenant Alton Wood Day.”
Colonel George T. Lee of Norwood flew 258 combat missions in WWII and became the youngest colonel in the Air Corps. He later served in the Berlin Airlift and was honored with the British Distinguished Flying Cross. His missions were captured on film and are now preserved by the Norwood Historical Society. Norwood dedicated the Nahatan Street Bridge in his memory.
Corporal Tony Andreotti of Canton served in Korea and later became Canton’s Veterans Agent for over two decades. He helped establish the Veterans Memorial Park and the Veterans Department Honor Guard in Canton. Known for his personal dedication, Mr. Andreotti assisted hundreds of veterans and families. He created a lasting legacy of remembrance in his community.
Sergeant John T. Carota of Milton was a Marine and Milton High graduate who served three tours in Vietnam. He was mortally wounded in 1967 during Operation Swift in the Que Son Valley. His commanding officer called him “the best of the best of Marines.” Today, his legacy lives on at Carota Square in Milton.
General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. of Quincy served in Iraq and Afghanistan and rose to become Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving under Presidents Obama and Trump. Known as “Fighting Joe,” he earned respect across the military for his leadership and integrity. He retired in 2019 after more than four decades of service.
Veterans Day is also a time to recognize the contributions of women who have served. Their roles have evolved over time, but their impact has always been significant.
Among the women are:
Deborah Sampson of Sharon disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. She served with distinction and was honorably discharged. Sampson treated her own wounds to avoid discovery and later petitioned for equal pay. Her legacy endures as one of the few known women to serve in combat during the Revolution.
Minnie Goodnow of Brookline was a nurse and author, served in France during WWI with the Second Harvard Unit. She documented wartime medical care and wrote extensively on nursing education and rehabilitation. Her works include The Auxiliary War Nurse and Compound Fractures in the War. Goodnow later settled in Brookline and passed away in 1952.
Mary Jeanette Murray of Cohasset served in the Marine Corps during WWII and later became a respected state legislator. She was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1976 and served until 2001. Murray was active in veterans’ causes and more than 40 civic organizations. She passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting mark on her town and state.
Colonel Mary C. Quinn of Weymouth served in Korea and Vietnam, including during the Tet Offensive. She was Chief Nurse of the 71st Evacuation Hospital, where her compound was struck by rocket fire eight times. Quinn later served at Fort Devens and in Germany, retiring in 1986. She helped establish Weymouth’s Korean War and nursing memorials.
These individuals and many others represent the best of Norfolk County. Their stories are not only about military service, but about resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to our communities and our country.
Copies of We Remember Our Veterans and We Remember Our Women are available at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building in Dedham or can be downloaded online at www.norfolkdeeds.org.
This Veterans Day, as a community let us take a moment to honor all who served and continue to serve in the armed forces. Attend a local ceremony, share a veteran’s story, or take a moment of silence to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. Let us ensure that the legacy of our local veterans, men and women alike, lives on for generations to come.
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