Bill Brouillard Jr.

Research is ongoing. Bill

This is another Purple Heart that I have been the caretaker of for many years. S1/c Warren Hunter Chapple was born in Littleton Massachusetts in 1905 and was married in 1926 to a local girl Esther A. Tullson. Warren's son Kenneth was born in 1926 and daughter Mary was born in 1927. Warren was a weaver by trade and worked in various textile mills in the area. In November 1942 Kenneth who was 17 enlisted in the US Navy and spent the war years on the USS New Orleans. On July 3, 1944 Warren at age 39 enlists in the US Navy and following Boot Camp he was transferred on October 10, 1944 to the USS Pringle (DD477) with the rank of S1/c. In November 1944, the Pringle supported the landings at Ormoc Bay, Leyte and conducted anti-submarine patrols and convoy escorts through the next month around the Philippine Islands. During one convoy escort to Mindoro in late December, the Pringle and her crew came under a massed Kamikaze attack, then a still relatively new tactic used by the Japanese. The Pringle was struck in her aft deckhouse by a Kamikaze, killing 11 of her crew and injuring 20 in addition to heavily damaging her Stern superstructure and gun mounts. On the morning of April 16th, the Pringle's radar began picking up inbound aircraft, and the ship went to General Quarters with Warren Chapple at his battle station manning a 40mm gun. During the attack Pringle's crew shot down two Kamikaze planes before they could strike, and her escorts downed two more, but despite the significant amount of AA fire a single 'Val' Dive Bomber crashed into the Pringle's bridge. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact with the Pringle's deck armor, showering the entire forward section of the ship with shrapnel and burning gasoline, but the plane's engine and it's bombload punched through the ships superstructure and main deck foreword of her #1 funnel and into her engine room where the bombs detonated, blowing out the hull and splitting the Destroyer's keel. As the action continued around her, the Pringle slowed to a halt and began to jackknife as she split amidships, heavily aflame. Her surviving crew abandoned ship at 1000hrs, and six minutes later, 258 survivors watched the USS Pringle slide beneath the surface. Sixty nine men were killed including S1/c Warren Chapple. Kenneth Chapple survived the war and was discharged from the Navy in 1946 and passed in 2017.

Yes - John was their only child - The Parents also sacrificed during the war. Bill

John Joseph Malloy was born in Boston Massachusetts on March 25, 1922. At age 17 in 1939 he enrolled in the Coast Guard Academy in Now London, CT as a Cadet however he left the Coast Guard on September 10, 1940 (Earning the American Defense Service Medal). Malloy enrolled in Harvard University as an Electrical Engineering major. While at Harvard in May 1942 he enlisted in the Navy Reserve and was commissioned an Ensign USNR on March 9, 1943 and transferred to NATC Pensacola Florida to begin flight training. In July 1943 Malloy was ordered to VP-72 in the Pacific Theater. Malloy was promoted to Lt. (JG) on April 1, 1944 and was returned to the US in August 1944 where he began flight training on the PB4Y-1 Patrol Bomber. On March 23, 1945 he was assigned to VPB-104 flying from Clark Field PI. On May 13, 1945 Lt (JG) Malloy and his crew #25 (3 Officers and 9 Enlisted Men) flying PB4Y-1 No. 38979 left on a mission to disrupt enemy shipping in the vicinity of Haiphong Indo-China. During the attack the airplane’s wing tanks were punctured from AA Fire. As a result, considerable fuel was lost and Malloy was forced to ditch 60 miles west of Luzon Island. It was during the ditching of the airplane at sea that Malloy, AOM3/c Clarence Whitney, and AMM3/c James F. Quinn lost their lives. The remaining crew of 2 officers and 7 enlisted men survived at sea for 19 hours in the water until rescued by the USS Conway (DD507). On June 2, 1945 the Malloy’s parents were informed of his loss and was reported in the Milton Massachusetts Evening Newspaper. Malloy’s Parents received his Purple Heart Medal on June 30, 1945 and his WWII Victory Medal in 1947, and his Asiatic-Pacific and American Theatre Campaign Medals in 1948.

Cpl Alfred Zelazo No. 651787 was Killed In Action on November 21, 1950 in North Korea near Hoesanjan while serving as a “Kicker” on a USAF Transport near the Chosen Reservoir. Zelazo was born in Holden WV in 1928 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in Cleveland Ohio in 1947. After Recruit Training at Parris Island SC he attended Sea School and was assigned to the Marine Detachment (MD) on the USS Fargo (CL-106) and later to MD on the USS Mississippi. In April 1950 he was promoted to Cpl. and assigned to the 1st Air Delivery Platoon - 1st Combat Support Group located at Camp Lejeune NC. In July 1950 the 1st Air Delivery Platoon was on its way to Korea to work with the Air Force to provide air resupply support to the 1st Marine Division. On November 21, 1950 while on a resupply mission for the 1st Marine Division at the Chosen Reservoir the Air Force Transport carrying Zelazo, 3 Air Force Officers (Pilot, Co Pilot, and Navigator) and 3 other enlisted Marines crashed killing all on board. Zelazo was temporarily interred in Korea but was repatriated to the United States in 1955 and interred at Oakhill Cemetery in Clermont, FL. In 1955 Cpl. Alfred Zelazo was awarded the Air Medal for participating in numerous supply drop flights between September 25th to November 21st 1950.

Thank you - I have been revisiting my collection especially some of the things I have had for 30+ years and re-researching them now that there are new research sources available. Bill

Another Posthumous Purple Heart from the collection - GySgt George D. Depretz - Depretz was born in Newark NJ in 1917 and attended local schools. On May 25, 1938 he joined the Marine Corps at RS Newark NJ. After Boot Camp at Parris Island he was transferred to Washington Navy Yard and was promoted to PFC on June 30, 1939. In August 1939 he transferred to Sea School in Portsmouth VA and was assigned to MD (Marine Detachment USS Helena until August 5, 1941 when he was transferred to Brooklyn Navy Yard while the Helena was undergoing repairs at Mare Island. On April 20, 1942 he was transferred to the 9th Marines and promoted to Sgt. (skipping the rank of Cpl). He was assigned to Weapons Company. After training at Camp Pendelton the 9th Marines were shipped to New Zealand and on June 29, 1943 the 9th was shipped to Guadalcanal to prepare for Bougainville (Depretz was promoted to Platoon Sgt. on June 30, 1943). On July 6, 1943 the 9th landed at Bougainville where they were in action for 57 days. On December 30, 1943 the 9th returned to Guadalcanal to prepare for the Invasion of Guam. Depretz was promoted to GySgt. with Weapons Platoon on December 31, 1943. At 0740 on July 21, 1944 the 9th landed on Blue Beach on Guam and encountered resistance until tanks could be brought up. On the 21st GySgt. Depretz made the Ultimate Sacrifice and was Killed in Action due to severe shrapnel wounds to the head and chest. His remains were buried on Guam and later repatriated to the United States where he rests in his home state of New Jersey.

Thought I would take this one out of the cabinet and show it off - Purple Heart (Posthumous) to HA1/c Albert E. Finnegan who was KIA while serving as a Corpsman with 3/27 5th Marine Division on February 20, 1945. Finnegan was from Stoneham Massachusetts where his father was a Funeral Director. Albert enlisted in 1943 and after Boot Camp and "A" School he volunteered as a Corpsman with the Paramarines however he did not get a chance to be Parachute Trained before the Paramarines and Raiders were disbanded in 1944 and personnel reassigned to the 5th Matine Division. On February 19th (D Day) the 27th had reached the southern tip of Airfield #1 and by mid afternoon the 27th had seized the cliffs overlooking the west side of Iwo Jima. It is unknown if he was wounded on the 19th and died on the 20th or if he was KIA on the 20th. I have had this medal in my collection for 30 years and am in the process of re-researching some of my older groups now that there are more research resources available. Thank you HA1/c Finnegan it is through your sacrifice and others that we enjoy the freedom that you bought for us.

Thank you - If I only had a name!! Bill

Some ribbon sets from my collection - The first set is unknown by recipient but I suspect he was an Airborne Officer. The second set is attributed to M/Sgt. George T. Borgeson. Bill

New York National/State Guard medal called "Aid to Civil Authorities". I think there were some disturbances that the Governor of NY had to mobilize the State Guard to assist with crowd control. The “Traffic 1945” bar was issued to New York National Guardsmen who were activated in January and February 1945 for service during heavy snowstorms in upstate New York. https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/aid.html Bill

Found this set in a 2008 Morton & Eden Catalog and thought it was neat!! No idea where it resides today but I thought I would share Bill

Captain Thomas S Whiting 1921

Had this pair (part of a group) for many years - PH 20607 and Mex Border 3643 - Someone erased the name from the PH however the Mex Border traced out to Thomas S. Whiting who was on the Border with the VA National Guard. In WWI he was commissioned in the Marine Corps and was severely wounded 2 times and was medically retired and awarded the Croix De Guerre. In 1942 he came off the retired list and was stationed at New River until he returned to the Retired List. Captain Whiting passed away in 1964.

Just got this home from the SOS this afternoon - research is ongoing but I am pleased with this find. The edge is properly numbered and the rim is engraved with the recipients name (Officer in the Wisconsin National Guard when he received this). No. 289 Engraved on the Edge - Capt Wm.J. CRONYN WIS NATL GUARD No.289 CO. A. 30th REGT MICH INFTY Somewhat of an oddity since the 30th Michigan never left the state nor engaged CSA Forces - That unit was tasked with guarding the Canada/Michigan Border. Gazette (Stevens Point, Wisconsin) > 1918 > February > 27, page 10 Dr. W. J. Cronyn Dead Prominent Milwaukeean, Husband of Former Stevens Point Lady, Passes away Dr. William Jerome Cronyn, one of Wisconsin's most distinguished and patriotic citizens and son-in-law of the late Judge and Mrs. G.W. Cate of Stevens Point, died at his home 131 Fourteenth street, Milwaukee, last Wednesday after an illness of three weeks. The body was brought to Stevens Point Saturday, arriving in the afternoon. It was taken immediately to Forest cemetery, where burial took place. Rev. Arthur H. Lord, rector of St. James Episcopal church of Milwaukee, officiated at the service at the grave. At Milwaukee funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Lord at the Cronyn home Friday afternoon. Those who accompanied the body to this city, in addition to Rev. Mr. Lord, were the widow, his sister, Mrs. G.M. Dahl, of New York City, and Dr. Cronyn's sister, Miss Mary M. Cronyn of Rochester, N.Y. they returned to Milwaukee the same afternoon. Dr. Cronyn was a native of the province of Ontario, Canada and was 68 years of age last Nov. 15. When he was but 15 years of age he enlisted in Co. A, 30th Michigan Infantry, for service in the civil war. In 1870 he was graduated from the medical department of Buffalo University and from 1873 to 1876 was assistant surgeon in the United States navy. He took up his residence at Milwaukee in 1893 and for twenty years filled the chair of medical jurisprudence at Marquette University in that city. Although a Canadian by birth, no native-born American was more proud of his citizenship in the United States than Dr. Cronyn. He took a leading part in patriotic work of all kinds. Last spring, at the Loyalty Day celebration in Stevens Poijnt, he delivered a stirring address at the court house square. He was a commanding figure in any gathering. Commenting on his death, the Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin said, in part: "He was a member of E.B. Wolcott post, and was assistant surgeon of the Wisconsin National guard, with the rank of captain, until he reached retiring age. As a member of Gov. McGovern's staff he continued in the service of the guard beyond the age limit. "Dr. Cronyn was a thirty-second degree Mason. At the time of his death he was a member of the Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and next to his love for the flag came his enthusiasm and belief in that movement. He was also president of Wisconsin Loyalty League chapter in the Fourth and Second wards." The following tribute to Dr. Cronyn was paid by W. H. Richardson, a leading Milwaukee citizen and friend of Dr. Cronyn for twenty years: "No man of the city or state will be missed more in military and patriotic circles than he. Successful as a physician and surgeon, he was most widely known as an officer of our national guard. For many years he was surgeon of the Light Horse squadron. He was a fine horseman and a commanding figure in all of the evolutions of his troop. Only two months ago he was marshal of the day in the parades for the Liberty --an and farewell to our selectmen when they left for the front. "He was active in promoting the Wisconsin Loyalty legion and his last appearance at the Grand Army post a few weeks ago was to ask the use of Memorial hall for that organization. He was ever ready with tongue and pen to speak and work for his country. In his death a loyal patriot has passed to his reward. We shall all miss him." Dr. Cronyn's wife was Miss Carrie Cate. His sister, Miss Mary M. Crony of Rochester, N.Y., is the only other near relative surviving. Dr. Cronyn occasionally visited in Stevens Point and had a close, though limited, personal acquaintance here. The following local friends served as pall bearers at the funeral Saturday: B. B. Park, George R. Nelson, R. A. Cook, W.W. Mitchell, G. L. Park and Alex Krembs.

I'm guessing that he served in the Army since those look like Army contract medals. Bill

College Photo of George T Britt

Prior to 1947 the Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct medals were last (bottom row far right) since it was a "Service Medal". Pre 1947 precedence was Personal Decorations, Unit Awards, Campaign Medals and finally Service Medals - This is not common knowledge and is important information when purchasing pre WWII ribbon sets. Bill

Admiral Leslie Stevens was Naval Attache to the US Embassy in London in the Mid 1930's and was given a named (to him) 1935 Jubilee Medal and a 1937 Coronation Medal - also named. He wore this ribbons along with the Military OBE for the rest of his career into the 1950's. I have these medals in my collection. Bill

Hendrik - I was able to do a little more digging and found some information compiled by the late Tom Neir (OMSA) and your medal falls into the July 10, 1929 contract with the Joseph Mayer Company ( Contract was for medals numbered 8501 to 8846.) These were straight numbered medals - Interesting that this was such a small contract. This contract was also for Civil War Medals # 801 to 1200 and (1) Philippine Campaign medal #25098 Bill Peron - I found some information compiled by the late Tom Neir (OMSA) and your medal falls into the July 10, 1929 contract with the Joseph Mayer Company ( Contract was for medals numbered 8501 to 8846.) These were straight numbered medals - Interesting that this was such a small contract. This contract was also for Civil War Medals # 801 to 1200 and (1) Philippine Campaign medal #25098. Unfortunately the US Army QM Corps stopped recording numbers/issue names in 1925 then they took over medal issues from the US Army Adjutant Generals Office. There are no name associated with the issue of this medal Bill

Can someone assist with some basic info on Atterbury? Thanks Bill

Also an excellent book related to this subject is Blue Seas, Red Stars by David Schwind - This book shows medal groups of US Navy personnel that were decorated by Soviet Russia in WWII. Bill

Did well a few weekends ago at the Dalton GA Civil War show - Named WWII Purple Heart for a very reasonable price - Not researched until I got home. Maj. George T Britt from Mississippi was an AG officer on MacArthurs Staff in 1940-42 and Surrendered on Corrigador I’m May 7 1942. He died in 1944 on Hellship Arisan Maru - Remains not recovered.

Hendrik The numbers that are traceable and in the OMSA database have a "No." prefix - These were produced by the US Mint and issued after 1908 - The medal in the photograph has a number with no prefix which indicates that it is an untraceable contract manufactured medal from the 1920's - 30's. That being said Mr. Grant was not the original recipient of this medal. Bill