Windham County Observer

Putnam Man's Grandson On Ship
Father Served On In Last War

William Dearden of 25 Livery St. has a grandson serving on the U. S. S. Medusa, based at Pearl Harbor. The same ship that the boy's father served on when the vessel was first commissioned during the last World War.

The grandson is Charles Dearden Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dearden Sr. of Los Angeles, Calif. Young Dearden enlisted in the Navy three years ago and has served practically the entire term of his enlistment in the Hawaiian Islands. He is rated a second class machinist and serves on the U. S. S. Medusa, a repair ship now based at Pearl Harbor.

Dearden is having the unusual experience of serving on the same ship that his father served on during the World War. The elder Dearden was a member of the first crew that served on the Medusa when it was commissioned.

Mr. Dearden received a letter recently from his grandson. The letter, dated March 28, came from the Pacific war zone.

Indicating the high morale of American naval forces in the Pacific, the letter stated: "It is hard to write of what we do out here but can tell you we have nothing to worry about as far as winning this war is concerned. The Navy is ready now and just waiting for a chance to whip the pants off those Japs. Only hope I get a chance to be in there and do my little bit."

The writer expresses a desire "to see all you folks in person," stating that he is looking forward to such a reunion. "We'll have to settle this war first though," he adds with no degree of uncertainty.