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Namesake
Rogers Blood, born at Manchester, N.H., 29 January 1922. Rogers Blood was a popular all-around high school athlete. In his extensive activities about the school, he displayed rare qualities as a leader, scholar, organizer, athlete and all-around good fellow. Rogers served as president of the Hi- Y Chapter, president of the Maskers, editor-in-chief of the Oracle, moderator of the Discussion Club, and was a member of both the tennis and ski teams. He was awarded the Rotary Cup in his senior year as the most outstanding student in his class. Rogers then entered Dartmouth College, Class of 1944. On January 3, 1942, just weeks after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and received a commission as a second lieutenant 13 January 1943, and was promoted to first lieutenant 1 February 1944. He served at the Marine Barracks, Quantico, Va., and at Camp Lejeune, N.C. From 21 May 1943, he served in the Pacific Theater of World War II. On 18 February 1944, while leading his platoon in a valiant charge across open terrain in the face of severe hostile machine gun, mortar, and rifle fire to dislodge the heavily entrenched enemy, on the Japanese stronghold of Engebi, he was killed. Lieutenant Blood was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His memory was honored further when the U.S. Navy named a troop transport, the APD 115, for him. When this vessel was decommissioned, the ship's bell was loaned to the school by the Navy Department with the understanding that it would be kept on permanent display at the school in a place of prominence. It continues on display to this day.
Photo: Central High School, Manchester, New Hampshire |
Bill Gonyo |
