By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Grafton – On what would have been his 100th birthday, a Grafton resident received posthumously a special honor – a plaque recognizing his service to his country.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer William Dohlus was an electrician’s mate first class on the submarine the USS Cisco, when it was sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943. There were no survivors and the boat was never found. Dohlus was declared killed in action in 1946 – his remains were never found.
Several months ago, a family member of Dohlus was seeking information to get a marker noting his service placed at St. Philip’s Cemetery. After the request was approved by the Veterans Administration, the marker was installed in a special ceremony at the cemetery on Millbury Street on what would have been Dohlus’ 100th birthday, May 17.
Led and organized by Adam Costello, director of veterans’ services for central Massachusetts, the event was sponsored by VFW Post 1497, American Legion Post 92, and the Trustees for Grafton Soldiers and Sailors Memorials. Northborough’s VFW Vincent F. Picard Post 234’s rifle squad fired a rifle volley in Dohlus’ honor.
State Rep. David Muradian (R-Grafton) presented Dohlus’ family with a formal citation noting his service and sacrifice. The family also received a medal representing the Order of the Purple Heart, which is given to those who have been killed or injured in combat.
