English High: Proud of Two Centuries of Patriotism and Courage
Throughout Veterans Month, we proudly honor and salute patriotic and courageous English High School alumni and all Americans who have served our country.
English High School’s alumni have bravely defended America during the Civil War, the War of 1812, WW I, WW II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan…wherever and whenever they were needed.
In May, 1949, at the dedication of English High’s World War II Memorial, Judge Paul J. Kirk, EHS 1922, said, “We remember the EHS men who gave their lives in the great global struggle. This memorial is significant, beautiful and inspiring.” The Memorial was presented by the EHS Alumni in 1949.
Headmaster Walter Downey’s remarks on that day still ring true: “Many parents of EHS students come from other countries. Many of these families came to the U. S. in search of freedom and opportunity which were denied them in the country of their birth.” During WW II, over 5,500 EHS alums served in the armed forces. 271 made the
supreme sacrifice.
In 1943, in The Record, the EHS yearbook, during the height of World War II when the outcome was far from certain, Headmaster Albert Reed wrote, “In this school, you students of different origins, of different talents, interests and attainments, have learned to respect the virtues of the other fellow, and not to attribute his faults to a difference of race or creed.” And Class President William Smith wrote, “We will fight and we will win…strong in our faith in the democratic ideal, we will begin anew to build a world where men everywhere will live in harmony and in peace.”
A Salute for Outstanding Service : Four Alumni Who Became Generals<
General Matthew Bunker Ridgway, ’12,
Served as U. S. Army Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and United Nations Command,among other posts. During his career, Ridgway was recognized as an outstanding leader, earning the respect of subordinates, peers, and superiors.
General Paul X. Kelley, ’46,
Commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps 1983 – 1987. The President awarded him the Silver Star Citation “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action” while serving as Commanding Officer of a Marine division in Vietnam.
Brigadier General Joseph C. Carter, ’73
Joseph Carter devoted 38 years to an outstanding military career, rising to Adjutant General of the Mass. Army National Guard and Brigadier General overseeing the Mass. Army and Air National Guard with 8,300 soldiers and airmen. He served as MBTA Police Chief and as Chief of Police in Oak Bluffs. His work in civil rights investigations and neighborhood crime watch received national acclaim.
Brigadier General Enoch ‘Woody’ Woodhouse,’44,
At age 17, upon EHS graduation, Woody enlisted in the Army, eventually serving in the Army Air Corps, precursor to the Air Force. After basic training, he was assigned to an all-black squadron and by age 19 was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. That fighter group became the Tuskegee Airmen. He was named paymaster for 992 pilots and 14,000 support personnel. Following active, Woody joined the Mass. Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He earned a law degree and practiced for many years. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush. In 2022, Woody was appointed Brigadier General by Gov. Charlie Baker.
