Our monthly newsletter is very pleased to be serializing Kermit Beverly’s memoirs of WWII. Each month, a portion of Beverly’s memoirs will be included in our newsletter, and for a time, on our webpage. We welcome your comments and will post some of the comments on this page.  

Kermit Beverly’s story in not unique, it is the story of thousands of men who served in the Navy during WWII.   During his tour of duty, 1939-1945, Mr. Beverly was on DD-199 U.S.S. Dallas (Clemson Class),  DD-451 U.S.S. Chevalier (Fletcher Class), and DD-744 U.S.S. Blue (Sumner Class).  The Dallas was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and 4 battle stars, the Chevalier 3 battle stars, and the Blue was awarded 6 battle stars for WWII service.

Wartime Memories of a Tin Can Sailor

• Excerpt #1
• Excerpt #2

The Dallas played a significant role in Operation Torch, the first major Allied land-sea-air offensive in the European theater during World War II.  In the waning days of WWII, the Blue was also part of the 3rd Fleet's attacks against the Japanese Home Islands (10 July – 15 August) and in one of the final Naval actions of WWII, Blue, captured the 5,223-ton Japanese submarine, I-400, off the coast of Honshu.   Mr. Beverly’s memoirs include campaigns from North Africa and the Italy invasions to the Pacific and the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Through rough Atlantic seas, to the June 5 typhoon off Okinawa and Typhoon Cobra.

Officer Beverly’s interesting story reminds us of why we owe so much to those that serve in our armed forces. We hope you enjoy Beverly’s story and his original artwork. If there is demand, we will print a limited run with a comb (plastic) binding and sell for a nominal cost.  

For More Information on destroyers:

• DANFS history U.S.S. Dallas


• DANFS history U.S.S. Chevalier


• DANFS history U.S.S. Blue


• History of destroyers


• Photos from the inside of a WWII destroyer

Interesting videos:

• The War in the Pacific
• U.S.S. Panay Incident

The Society offers Third Tuesday Programs in the Library's Erin Auditorium every month throughout the year (except for July and August). Our speakers provide entertaining and informative presentations on local history and genealogy. Check the library calendar for information on this month's event. Our programs are open to the public with refreshments following the program. RHGS also sponsors genealogy workshops on an on-going basis; information on these workshops can also be found on the library calendar.

Please join us for our programs and enjoy an evening learning more about local history and/or genealogy.

You can show your support for the work of the Historical Society in preserving and increasing awareness of our local history by joining or by purchasing the postcards, notecards, vertical puzzles or family trees available during the programs and also at the check-out desk of the library.

Join the historical society and you will also receive the society newsletter filled with local genealogy and history related events in our area. Click here for an application. Membership fees are:

RHGS activities include the Erin Township Records, Historic House Marker and the Oral History projects. We are always looking for volunteers.

Contact us: Roseville.RHGS@gmail.com

Our Officers