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Stepping Back in Time
Valley Patriot Hero Visits Battleship He Once Called Home
Kathleen Corey Rahme
(08/03/07)


The ship came alive when Valley Patriot Hero Thomas Petrillo of Methuen boarded the USS Massachusetts last month.

The WWII battleship is docked at Battleship Cove in Fall River and visited by thousands of tourists every year. Visitors got a special treat last week when they had the opportunity to meet Petrillo. He was generous enough to chat with groups of visitors about his nineteen month assign-ment on board the biggest ship I have ever seen. I was so happy to witness the looks of amazement among tourists, and especially the youngsters, when he told stories of his time on his beloved USS Massachusetts.

The USS Massachusetts has a brilliant history. The Massachusetts is touted as one of the most powerful, fighting vessels in the world of navy ships. It was in the Battle of Casablanca in Morocco, North Africa as part of Operation Torch. Although she endured three hits in that battle, thankfully there were no casualties on “Big Mamie” as she was fondly known by her crew. Petrillo was at his usual position manning the 5" gun. There were Axis ships everywhere including the French Vichy ship Jean Bart.

It was 7:02 am on November 8, 1942 when the Battle of Casablanca took place. Petrillo was ordered to general quarters by midnight, the night before, after being fed a steak dinner which was a tradition before a battle. Having entered the gun mount of the 5" with Petrillo last week I can tell you it is quite tight and the air was oppressive. One can only imagine the sights, sounds and smells of the environment during a battle.

What Petrillo and others of that “Greatest Generation” endured during WWII should never be forgotten. Vichy French forces on the battleship Jean Bart opened fire. The USS Massachusetts hammered back using 16" shells and then, five hits later, Jean Bart was left in ruins. The crew had tried to wave the 20 foot American flag to the Nazi sympathizers but, the gesture received an eight inch shell right through it. In all 35 engagements during WWII, serving in both theaters of operation, the USS Massachusetts never lost a man in combat.

Being with Thomas Petrillo, a former Patriot of the Month (see the two part Valley Patriot March and April 2007) was something I will never forget. Ted Tripp who is known for his written oral histories, and I for my work with the crew from MCTV’s Call to Serve recording oral histories on tape, were in our glory to be in his company. It was a delightful day except for all those ladders! The Executive Director Ron J. Catudal, and the Captain, John S. Casey, USNR (Ret.) heard of Tom’s presence onboard and the red carpet was laid out. We were invited to be the guests of the Captain for lunch.

Petrillo was invited back to the USS Massachusetts for the three day Fall River Celebrates America on August 9, 10, and 11 to fire his old 5" gun into the harbor before a fireworks display. What a thrill for the former sailor. Information about this event can be found at www.fallrivercelebrates.com.

On behalf of a grateful nation, and the City of Methuen, thank you Tom, and others like you for your service during WWII.

Kathleen Corey Rahme is the former Central District Councilor in Methuen and was elected as a city councilor “at large” in 2005. She is also the vice chair of the city council and founder of the Methuen Youth Corps. Kathleen is a candidate for mayor of Methuen. She also hosts “Call to Serve.” You can email her at kcoreyrahme @comcast.net

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The August 2007 Edition of the Valley Patriot
The Valley Patriot is a Monthly Publication.
All Contents (C) 2007
, Valley Patriot, Inc.
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