Retired Assignment Judge Samuel DeSimone, of Mickleton, honored frequently, has another meaningful accolade.
Bob ShryockRetired Assignment Judge Samuel DeSimone, of Mickleton, honored frequently, has another meaningful accolade.
"Gentle Sam," a graduate of Paulsboro High School, Gettysburg College and Georgetown School of Law, had the new law library and resource center named for him in a recent ceremony at the justice complex on Hunter St. in Woodbury.
"I was really thrilled," says DeSimone, who has been battling a series of health problems including blindness. "Words can't express how I felt."
Pitman resident Viktor Chebotarev gave up competitive swimming 30 years but clearly hasn't forgotten how.
Viktor, now 58, swam in the recent European Masters Games in Nice, France, and took home two gold medals and two silver. That equates to four of the 14 medals collected by Americans.
When he was 52, Viktor collected four gold encompassing the same meet, showing his versatility by medaling in four events.
Victor began his swimming career at age 8, swam until reaching college, then gave it up for 30 years while recovering from cancer surgery.
Says his wife Rene, "He swam first just to improve his health, lose weight, and feel strong and fit again. Then he started to resume competition. My family and I are very proud of him."
Kim Murphy, a Morristown, N.J. resident and proud MoM (mother of Marine), says she read the obituary for Victor Browne, 90, the Woodbury resident who was one of the first blacks recruited by the U.S. in Marines 1943.
"We have a very dear customer-turned-friend who is a 93-year-old Marine veteran who tells his story about being in the first group of black Marines allowed to enlist," Kim says.
"He, too, had to go through the segregated training quartered near Camp LeJeune, S.C. He never stepped foot on Parris Island but has mentioned how he'd love to do so before he dies and find out what happened to this best friend. He did not join the Montford Point Marines after training, he was sent to war. His records, including pictures and discharge papers, document these facts. Marine Anderson has brought them in to show us."
Kim wonders if her friend is among the black Marines entitled to the Congressional Gold Medal as was Victor Browne and his Montford Point compatriots.
"Was it possible that Mr. Anderson was overlooked or otherwise could not be located? If so, could be still be located somehow at this point in time?
"He also tells his Marine stories, describing so many unbelievable facts that occurred during this period in history. We are his biggest fans and would love to see Mr. Anderson get the recognition he deserves for all he's done for his country."
