What's Happening in Somerville, NJ…

Mayor Dennis Sullivan of Somerville recently recognized Robert Vaucher, a hero from World War II and former resident of the town, on his 100th birthday for his heroism, patriotism, and civic accomplishments.

Lieutenant Colonel Vaucher served in the Army Air Corp. service for 46 months and led a formation of 525 planes that flew over the USS Missouri battleship during the time that General Douglas MacArthur was signing the peace treaty to end the second world war. While in the Army, he flew 40 different types of aircraft and was involved in photography, mining, bombing, and combat patrol missions in Central America, China, India, and the Galapagos.

Mayor Sullivan made a formal proclamation, describing Vaucher’s many contributions to his town and the government and many other of his innovations.

Once Vaucher returned from the war, he became a member of the Somerville Lincoln Hose Volunteer Fire Company and of his church, leading a fundraiser to enlarge its parish hall. After he moved to Bridgewater, he became active in the town, supporting education by establishing the Bridgewater Raritan School District. He was also instrumental in creating the Bridgewater Police Department and raising $800,000 for historic preservation.

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