By Michael Dunford

May 2002

The proud history of the Americal Division began sixty years ago this month, just six months following the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor.

National Guardsmen from Illinois, Massachusetts and North Dakota, were brought together to form the United States Army’s Americal Division on May 2, 1942. The name was derived from the words America and New Caledonia, the place where the unit was first formed in the South Pacific. Designated the 132^nd, 164^th, and the 182^nd Infantry Regiments, they and associated units were led by Brigadier General Alexander M. Patch, and assigned to the Army’s Pacific theater.

The men of the Americal Division, like so many other units during World War II, came from all walks of life. Serving in National Guard units, they hailed from large cities and small rural towns, coming together to form a formidable fighting force. Elements of this division were the first U.S. combat troops to engage the enemy in any theater in World War II.

Many of those who served did not come back to the country they loved paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, democracy and a way of life they cherished. Many came back as heroes, quiet and humble about their exploits and happy to resume their lives as productive citizens of a grateful nation. Much has been written in recent years – Tom Brokaw’s book and the works of Stephen Ambrose. Even Hollywood has showcased these men and their brave accomplishments in recent blockbuster movies about heroism in time of war. Exposed to the stories of average men meeting insurmountable challenges, hearing of their sacrifice and dedication during times of extreme hardship and separation from family and friends, I have come to realize, like so many other proud Americans that this truly was "The Greatest Generation". I have also realized in recent years that they have touched many of us in ways we may never fully appreciate.

My story is about James Edward Dunford, a member of this generation of American heroes who returned from war and continued to serve others, as a priest, a chaplain, a mentor and a friend. Father Jim was my father’s uncle and the fifth son of Thomas F. Dunford Sr. and Mary E. (Manning) Dunford of South Boston, Massachusetts. His father Thomas had emigrated from County Waterford in Ireland in 1888 at the age of 20. In 1897 Thomas became a US citizen, swearing faith and allegiance to a new country full of hope, promise and opportunity.

Father Jim was born October 16, 1904. In 1911, his mother, Mary, died leaving his father Thomas to raise six sons, ranging in age from 15 to 2 years, and a young infant sister who would die later that same year. Thomas worked as a teamster in the paper industry, and imparted on his boys the values of hard work and dedication to his adopted country. Two of James’ brothers would serve during World War I – Thomas with the 101^st Airborne in Europe and John with the Coastal Artillery in Boston Harbor.

A member of Saint Vincent’s parish in South Boston, James graduated from Boston College, and began his vocation as a Catholic priest. He studied for the priesthood at St John’s Seminary in Brighton and was ordained at Holy Cross Cathedral on June 5, 1931, by the late Cardinal O’Connell. After becoming a priest, he was assigned briefly as an assistant priest in Sacred Heart parish, Watertown. In the fall of 1931 he was assigned to St. Bridget’s, Framingham, where he served as curate for 10 years under the renown military pastor, the Reverend Michael J. O’Connor. Reverend O’Connor had served as the chaplain of the 101^st Infantry, Yankee Division, in World War I. Reverend O’Connor had remained in the National Guard on his return from France, and retired as a general.

Reverend O’Connor undoubtedly had a strong influence on this young priest from South Boston to serve his country as a military chaplain. I believe it is also safe to say that his decision to serve was also influenced by his father’s work ethic and love of America, and by his older brothers’ military service during World War I.

During his assignment to St. Bridget’s, Father Jim joined the Massachusetts National Guard as a chaplain, and served as the Massachusetts State Police Chaplain.

On January 16, 1941 Father Jim entered active military service as a member of the 26^th Yankee Division of the Massachusetts National Guard. In May 1942 his unit became one of many brought together to form the Americal Division.

During the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Americal Division, with Father Jim assigned as a Division Chaplain, fought in numerous battles to include: the Second Battle of Henderson Field (23-25 October 1942); the Battle of Koli Point (5-11 November 1942); the Battle of Kokumbona & Poha River (18-23 November 1942); The Battle of Point Cruz & the Matanakau River (8-22 November 1942) and The Battle of Mt. Austen (12-17 December 1942). Battles fought in December 1942 through to February 1943 included Gifu Ridge, Bonegi River and the final offensive that ended on 9 February 1943.

For his bravery, while assigned to the Division on Guadalcanal, Father Jim was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. It was, according to articles written about him, also during this campaign that he was wounded in action. In May 1943, Father Jim was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel and later took part in the battle of Bougainville with the Division.

Following his active military service, including more than two years in the South Pacific, he returned to the United States and continued serving as a Chaplain in the Massachusetts National Guard’s 26^th Yankee Division, and the Massachusetts State Police.

He was named an assistant priest at St. Mark’s in Dorchester on January 3, 1946, and served there until his appointment as pastor of St. Cecilia’s in Ashland, Massachusetts in 1957.

While assigned to St. Cecilia’s, Fr Jim also served as Chaplain to Cushing Hospital and the Framingham Juvenile Court. At the courthouse he would often work with youngsters before they were brought before the court. In one newspaper account of his service in this role he said, "no matter what people say, a court record can hurt a youngster later in life. I believe they should be given every chance for a new start. I only wish it were always possible". There is little doubt his work in this area made a significant difference in many lives.

Father Jim retired from the Army in 1962 as a Brigadier General.

He died on March 24, 1964 at the age of 59. A funeral Mass was said on Monday March 30, 1964 at St. Cecilia’s in Ashland, Massachusetts. The Celebrant of the Mass was Rev Msgr. Joseph W. Sullivan, pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Winthrop, the Eulogist was Rev. Walter M. McDonough, Assistant Priest, St. Charles parish in Woburn. Auxiliary Bishop Eric McKenzie and Bishop Jeremiah F. Minihan presided. Assisting were Mr. Gerald Dunford of Graymoor, Washington D.C., a deacon and nephew of Father Jim. State, civic and military officials were among the 1,000 people who attended the Mass at St. Cecilia’s.

Father Jim touched many lives during his years as a parish priest, while serving in the Massachusetts National Guard, the Massachusetts State Police and as a member of The Americal Division in the South Pacific. He was an honorable man of God who took time for family and friends throughout his life and impacted many in a positive way.

As I write this brief summary of the distinguished life of Father Jim, I realize that his influence has impacted another generation many years after his death. Although I was not quite four years old when he died, learning about him as a young boy, and appreciating all he accomplished in his relatively short life, has had an impact on me and others in my generation within the Dunford Family. My brothers and I realize, as my father and his family realized before us, that he was special and that we are fortunate that we do not have to look far for our heroes from "The Greatest Generation".