The Aspinock Historical Society is proud to announce-

The presentation by Ryan Walker on Henry Breault - Putnam's Medal Of Honor Winner is on youtube

Also

Vermont State Resolution for Henry Breault - Putnam's Medal Of Honor Winner

State of Vermont House of Representatives Montpelier, Vermont Concurrent House Resolution H.C.R. 167 House concurrent resolution commemorating the centennial of U.S. Navy Torpedoman 2nd Class Henry Breault’s becoming the first submariner to receive the Medal of Honor Offered by: Representatives Morgan of Milton, Bartley of Fairfax, Beck of St. Johnsbury, Birong of Vergennes, Boyden of Cambridge, Branagan of Georgia, Brennan of Colchester, Burditt of West Rutland, Canfield of Fair Haven, Clifford of Rutland City, Demar of Enosburgh, Donahue of Northfield, Galfetti of Barre Town, Graham of Williamstown, Gregoire of Fairfield, Hango of Berkshire, Higley of Lowell, Hooper of Burlington, Labor of Morgan, Laroche of Franklin, Leavitt of Grand Isle, Maguire of Rutland City, Mattos of Milton, McCarthy of St. Albans City, McCoy of Poultney, McFaun of Barre Town, Morrissey of Bennington, Mrowicki of Putney, Nugent of South Burlington, Oliver of Sheldon, Page of Newport City, Parsons of Newbury, Peterson of Clarendon, Sammis of Castleton, Shaw of Pittsford, Sibilia of Dover, Smith of Derby, Taylor of Milton, Toof of St. Albans Town, and Walker of Swanton

Whereas, the Medal of Honor is the U.S. military’s highest recognition and is awarded for acts of extraordinary valor while serving our nation, and Whereas, Henry Breault had a long naval career, first, as a member of the Royal Navy Canadian Volunteer Reserve during World War I, and, subsequently, from 1920–1941, as a submariner in the U.S. Navy who enlisted in Grand Isle and is designated in U.S. Naval records as a Vermonter, and Whereas, on October 28, 1923, Henry Breault was stationed on the USS O-5, which, while in transit through the Panama Canal, collided with the steamship Abangarez, a commercial vessel, causing the nearly immediate sinking of the submarine, and Whereas, nearly all the personnel on board the submarine, including Henry Breault, were able to escape, but Breault, on the verge of jumping overboard to safety himself, returned to the torpedo room to rescue a trapped fellow submarine mate, closing the torpedo hatch after him, and Whereas, 31 hours later, a salvage party was able to rescue both men, and Henry Breault’s selfless bravery resulted in President Calvin Coolidge’s awarding him the Medal of Honor on March 8, 1924, making him the first submariner—and, to this day, the only enlisted submariner—so recognized, and

Whereas, naval historian Ryan Walker has since written a book entitled, The Silent Service’s First Hero: The First Submariner to Receive the Medal of Honor, and Henry Breault’s story was also the subject of an exhibit at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, now therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives: That the General Assembly commemorates the centennial of U.S. Navy Torpedoman 2nd Class Henry Breault’s becoming the first submariner to receive the Medal of Honor, and be it further Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Submarine Force Library and Museum and to Ryan Walker.

The Boxcar museum will open for the season beginning May 6. The museum will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm. Located off South Main Street near Union Square, the museum is dedicated to the life and work of Gertrude Chandler Warner, best known as the author of The Boxcar Children books.

The Aspinock Historical society of Putnam recently held it’s annual meeting.  A program was held with guest Maureen Herrara with a program titled “Rufus Malbone and his Horse, Dolly.”  President John Miller welcomed the group and reports from all committee chairs were presented.  Mayor Barney Seney commended all the members on the great job they were doing preserving local history.

Terri Pearsall (curator) with presenter Maureen Herrara.

Ed Perron (retired chief of police), Mayor Barney Seney, Mike Bogdanski (public relations)

Thanks to Tom Borner and the Putnam area Foundation for their grant that paid for the cooling/heating unit in the Boxcar Museum.

Left to right: Jeannie Benoit, Sandra Ames, John Miller, Pat Hedenberg, Bill Pearsall, Tom Borner, Terri Pearsall, Dick Loomis.

The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam is thrilled to announce the launch of a momentous Capitol Campaign Fundraiser, aimed at securing the society's future and enhancing its vital role in preserving and promoting Putnam's rich history.

The Aspinock Historical Society, founded in 1972, has been instrumental in safeguarding the town's historical heritage. With countless artifacts, documents, and stories, the society strives to educate the community and visitors about Putnam's unique past.

The Capitol Campaign Fundraiser is a landmark initiative designed to bolster the society's financial foundation, ensuring its continued operation and expansion. The funds raised will be allocated to critical projects, including renovating and restoring the society's historic documents, digitizing their extensive archives, and developing interactive educational programs for local schools and residents.

"We are committed to preserving the history of Putnam for future generations," said John Miller, President of the Aspinock Historical Society. "This campaign is an opportunity for everyone who values our town's heritage to contribute to the legacy of Putnam."

The Aspinock Historical Society invites all community members, history enthusiasts, and businesses to be part of this exciting endeavor. Your support will play an integral role in preserving and sharing the history of Putnam, ensuring it remains a vibrant and enriching resource for years to come.

For more information on the Capitol Campaign Fundraiser or to donate, please contact historicalsocietyaspinock@gmail.com.

Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam Launches Capitol Campaign Fundraiser 

Photo attached is of the presenter/author Ryan Walker and President Calvin Coolidge awarding the medal