Ferguson, Harold J.

Description

Harold Joseph Ferguson was born on May 2, 1906, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Annie, age 36, and Sylvester Ferguson, age 34. He had two brothers Earl and Elmer. In Rye his family lived at 49 Cedar Street and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Harold was educated in Rye schools and a resident of Rye all of his life.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps WWII. Harold served with the United States Army Air Corps in Africa and Italy as a member of the 47th Bomb Group.

The 47th Group A-20s provided valuable tactical support to US and British ground forces, especially during and after the allied defeat at the Battle of the Kasserine Pass.

Although, undermanned and undersupplied, the group flew eleven missions on 22 February 1942 to attack the advancing Nazi armored columns and thus to help stop the enemy’s offensive-an action which helped save the day, and eventually the Germans were forced back into a small perimeter in Tunisia.

For these actions, the group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.

After his discharge, Harold married Delia Connor on July 14, 1945, in his hometown. They had one child during their marriage.

Harold was a member of American Legion Post 128 in Rye and the Plasterer’s Union in Port Chester.

A requiem mass was held at the Church of the Resurrection for Harold Joseph Ferguson, 63, of 81 Locust Ave., who died July 18, 1969 at United Hospital. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, the former Delia Connor and a son, Michael of Pleasantville.