2019 Articles
November 2019
Military Chaplains
by Bob Corrette
November 11th, we honor all veterans from our armed forces. There is one small group of almost forgotten heroes, of which comes to mind from a World War II song,, “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!” These are the military Chaplins, who, in every American conflict, have been courageous, steadfast and self-sacrificing.
The heritage of the corp. began when Rev. Joseph Thaxter joined the Minute Men at Concord Bridge where he used his musket against the British.
The first U.S. Navy Chaplin to be honored by having a ship named after him was Samuel Liversmore of Concord, NH. As Chaplin of the USS Chesapeake during the War of 1812, he was wounded and captured in action against the British ship HMS Shannon.
The Civil War was the highest example of fighting Chaplins; 66 Union Chaplins were killed, 25 Confederate Chaplins also made the ultimate sacrifice. The first woman Chaplin of the US Army, Ella Gibson Hobart, from Rindge, NH, served in the Civil War.
One of the best known and best shots in the Union Army was Chaplin Lorenzo Barker of the 2ns US Sharpshooters. Chaplin Russell Bernett of the 33rd Ohio Infantry played a major role in rallying the XVII Corps. during one of the battles at Atlanta, GA.
As the clock moved on the 11th month, the 11th hour of the 11th day in 1918 to end World War I, one of the last shells fired killed Chaplin William F. Davitt.
By the end of World War II more than 12,800 Chaplins had served in all branches of the armed forces. Twenty-one who were on Bataan & Corregidor were taken as POWs. Four Army Chaplins on a torpedoed transport in the North Atlantic, gave away their life jackets and went down with the ship.
Chaplin heroism in the Korean War filled pages – 12 were killed, 26 wounded and some 5676 were decorated for valor.
Three Medals of Honor were given to Chaplins in the Vietnam Conflict. General Dwight D. Eisenhower said of Military Chaplins, “They have played an incalculably important role in maintaining the religious faith and the military morale of our defenders.”
These men and women have sacrificed much for our nation, let their deeds not be lost in the footnotes of our American history!
August 2019
American Legion Post 38 of Fitzwilliam
100 Years of Service
by Bob Corrette, A Member
The American Legion was founded in March of 1919 by members of the American Expeditionary Forces who had served in WWI. It was to become the largest veterans’ organization in American history.
Fitzwilliam’s Post 38 was organized on August 15, 1919 by the 45 veterans who had served in WWI (1917-1919). In 1945 Post 38 was to become the Plante-Cieslak Post, named after the two service men who died in WWII.
John J. Plante, born March 30, 1917, enlisted in the Navy Oct 6, 1941 and served as a seaman 2nd Class on the USS Jacob Jones DD130. The destroyer was sunk by the German U-boat 578 off the New Jersey coast on Feb 28, 1942. Only eleven men survived, all others went down with the ship.
John Plante was the first service man from Fitzwilliam, NH to give his life since the Civil War. On Memorial Day 1947, Plante Memorial Park was named in his honor. His name is also on the East Coast Memorial in Manhattan, NY, a structure erected in honor of those whose remains lie elsewhere.
PFC Frank Cieslak, born in 1915, listed his residence as Fitzwilliam, NH. He worked in a machine shop at the time of his enlistment. He enlisted at Manchester, NH on March 26, 1942. He was to serve in Co. D, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In March of 1944 the group was sent to Hawaii, then on to the liberation of Guam in July of 1944. In Nov. of 1944 it took part in the liberation of the Philippines. Frank was killed in the battle of Leyte on Dec. 17th, 1944. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and is buried in the Manila American Cemetery, Taguig City, Philippines.
The American Legion has built a legacy of a stronger and a prouder nation, more respectful for all those who sacrificed some or all for our nation. It has worked to improve our national defense and security and helped children and youth programs. It is always there to honor and remember all our veterans.
When you thank a veteran for his or her service, also thank Post 38 and its 100 years of service here in Fitzwilliam.
July 2019
A Common History by Bob Corrette
While our common is currently under restoration, we thought it would be good to provide a little history. The FHS is also making a significant contribution to the Common Fund for the fountain restoration.
Before 1844 “cat-tails” grew on the common. In 1845 a Public Improvement Association (PIA) was formed; the land was drained, and trees planted. The trees did not survive.
In 1860 more improvements were made, new trees were planted, a three-tier fence with granite posts now enclosed the village green.
In 1866 a monument committee was formed to have a monument placed on the common for those who gave their lives in the Civil War. The dedication was held on July 4, 1871.
In June of 1888 the PIA received permission from the selectmen to have a foundation placed on the common. Town merchants and tradesmen gave the money for the purchase of the foundation.
In 1909 the PIA became the Village District Association.
In 1923 the stone boulder and plaque was placed on the common, dedicated to Gen. James Reed, one of the founding fathers of Fitzwilliam.
In 1976 a plaque was added with the names of those who served in the American Revolutionary War from Fitzwilliam.
Today the District Association continues the upkeep of our village green.
The fountain on the green is one of a very few left in New Hampshire. Most of these town ornaments were recycled during WWI and WWII into armaments and munitions.