Stephen Nowak, a lifelong resident of Holden, was born in Hardwick, the son of Polish immigrants, and grew up in Jefferson. When he was just 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was assigned to the USS Franklin.

Nicknamed Big Ben, the USS Franklin was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II. It was the only US aircraft carrier to come close to Japan’s coast, and it became the most heavily damaged aircraft carrier to survive the war, second only to the USS Arizona.

On March 19, 1945, Big Ben was about 63 miles from the shores of Okinawa when it was attacked by a solitary Japanese pilot. The carrier was struck by bombs that hit the lower decks, causing a series of violent explosions. According to the USS Franklin Museum, the attack would eventually result in the deaths of 921 crew members.

At the time of the attack, PFC Nowak was below deck in the mess hall with 250 crew members. As smoke and fire filled the compartments, the men became trapped. 

After five attempts, and without the aid of a breathing apparatus, Nowak finally found an escape route. Ordering the men to follow him, they made a chain by holding onto each other’s belts. Nowak navigated the smoke-filled, suffocating compartments and led them to safety, stopping along the way to pick up and carry an injured sailor. He later would tell his family that he couldn’t believe the men followed orders from a 17-year-old kid.

In 1947, Nowak was awarded the Navy Cross for risking his life and “extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty” in the face of grave danger by leading the 250 men to safety.

While he was still enlisted, Stephen Nowak married Shirley Smith, whom he had met at a Worcester roller skating rink.  They built a house in Holden across from the Holden Country Club, which is where he and Shirley, who were married for more than 61 years, raised their two sons Garry and Donald.

The USS Franklin listing following the attack by a Japanese bomber, March 19, 1945. Photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command

 After serving his country, Nowak became a police officer and a mail carrier for the town of Holden. In addition, he worked at Miles Funeral Home, the Crompton and Knowles Foundry, and as a truant officer, a manual laborer, and a delivery truck driver. But his greatest love was youth sports.

An avid fan, he attended football and basketball high school games and helped with fundraising. When his son Garry started playing hockey, he went to all his games and eventually became a coach for Peewee Hockey.

According to Garry, his father was well-known and much loved by the boys and girls of Holden. They enjoyed talking to him and would seek him out for advice.

For the rest of his life, Nowak would receive letters from crew members who thanked him for his courage. Bill Vaughn wrote, “I now wish to thank you for saving my life. Also, my wife, three daughters, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren thank you.”

With the dedication of Nowak Fields, PFC Stephen Nowak’s memory, love of youth sports, and the legacy of his courageous act will rightfully be remembered for generations. 

Navy Cross World War II

Service: United States Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Division: U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13)

Action Date: March 19, 1945

SPOT AWARD, Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0987 (SofN Signed October 6, 1947)

 The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Stephen Nowak (MCSN: 546452), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of the Marine Detachment on board the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands, 19 March 1945. Trapped below decks with a large number of other personnel when his ship was hit during a hostile air attack which caused a series of violent explosions, Private First Class Nowak coolly took control of the perilous situation and attempted to find an escape route through suffocating, smoke-filled compartments, proceeding without the aid of a breather apparatus. Finally locating a route after six unsuccessful attempts, he led the men to safety and, on the way out discovering a sailor lying on the deck overcome by smoke, carried him through smoke-filled spaces to safety. By his cool courage in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Nowak assisted greatly in saving the lives of many men who might otherwise have perished and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.