Desmond, Arthur R.

Description

Arthur R. Desmond

Arthur R. Desmond son of Frank and Emily Desmond, he was born July 17, 1907 in Corona, NY. He had two brothers William and Francis. After moving with his family to Rye in 1911, he attended Rye public schools, graduating from Rye High School. He later studied engineering at New York University. In Rye his family lived at 224 Purchase St..

Arthur married Elizabeth “Betty” Williams in 1937 and they would have two daughters.

He enlisted February 19, 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Arthur served with the Army’s 7th Infantry Regiment and was discharged October 9, 1943..

The 7th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the United States Army. In its 200-year history it has participated in 12 wars, been awarded 78 campaign streamers, and 14 unit decorations. The regiment has served in more campaigns than any other infantry unit in the United States Army. It is known as “The Cottonbalers” for its actions during the Battle of New Orleans, while under the command of Andrew Jackson, when soldiers of the 7th Infantry Regiment held positions behind a breastwork of cotton bales during the British attack. These actions and the lineage of other units that made up the 7th Infantry give the regiment campaign credit for the War of 1812.

After the war, Arthur was a member of Painter Union Local 17, he was a painter in Greenwich until he retired to Walpole NH in the early 1970’s. He was a charter member of the Rye Gun Club and belonged to several other Westchester sporting clubs.

Arthur R. Desmond, a retired Greenwich house painter and former Rye resident, died Jan. 8, 1979 at Cheshire Hospital in Keene, N.H. after a short illness. He was 72 and lived in Walpole, N.H.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, the former Betty Williams of the home address; two daughters, Dr. Barbara Gilchrest of Boston and Mrs.
Virginia Kelly of Walpole; two brothers, William E. of Lake Worth, Fla. and Francie X. of Greenwich; and four grandchildren..