Letter to the Editor:
A Memorable Henry Breault Day
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in and attended the Henry Breault Day ceremony on March 8, 2025, making it an unforgettable tribute. Thanks to your support, March 8 is now officially recognized in our community as the day we honor Putnam’s only Medal of Honor recipient, Torpedoman’s Mate Second Class (TM2) Henry Breault.
On October 28, 1923, TM2 Breault exemplified extraordinary devotion to duty. When his submarine, the USS O-5 (SS-66), began to sink, he heroically reentered the vessel to rescue Chief Electrician’s Mate Lawrence T. Brown, saving his life at great personal risk. His bravery was recognized on March 8, 1924, when President Calvin Coolidge presented him with the Medal of Honor. Breault became the first enlisted submariner—and to this day remains the only enlisted submariner—to receive the Medal of Honor.
Dedicating March 8 to Henry Breault reflects our community’s deep and enduring gratitude for Putnam residents who have committed their lives to military service. It was a privilege to organize this event, and the Henry Breault Association is immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we received.
So, what’s next for Henry Breault’s legacy?
Our ultimate goal is to see one of the Navy’s next Virginia-class submarines named in his honor. A national petition to support this effort is currently available on the American Legion Post #13’s Facebook page, and I urge all Putnam residents to sign it. This petition, combined with broader national initiatives, is paving the way to make this dream a reality.
Thank you again to our incredible community for celebrating Henry Breault’s heroism with us.
Sincerely,
Brian Maynard
Founding Board Member, Henry Breault Association
Past Commander, American Legion Post #13
U.S. Army, 1990–1996
.
PSA Prep girls’ season ends in National semis
HARTFORD — The Putnam Science Academy Prep girls’ basketball team’s impressive postseason run came to an end Tuesday afternoon in the national semifinals, as they fell to defending national champion Tilton School, 44-32.
Despite the loss, the Lady Mustangs finished a strong 16-13 season under head coach Greg Canzater and assistant coach Marigona Bacaliu, proving themselves as one of the nation’s top teams.
Athena Thompson led PSA with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, continuing to showcase her leadership and versatility. UPenn commit Kate Lipatova was a force inside, finishing with 5 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Janaya Prince contributed across the board with 8 points, 3 steals, and 2 assists.
Tatiana Bell battled on the boards, grabbing 6 rebounds to go along with 4 points, while Helin Ozturk chipped in 4 points and 3 rebounds.
According to the coach, while the season didn’t end with a championship, the Lady Mustangs demonstrated resilience and toughness throughout the year. With key returners and a strong foundation in place, PSA will look to build on this success and make another deep run next season.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
..
James Bernard Neeland, U.S. Army veteran
PUTNAM — James Bernard Neeland of Putnam, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully March 4, 2025, surrounded by the multi-generational legacy of love he had created.
Born on Jan. 19, 1941, James set many goals for his life, complementing his love of family with career success as a well-regarded, highly respected professional in the field of precision machining.
James’ aptitude for his chosen vocation led him to teach his trade to up-and-coming young machinists and even to provide valuable insights and expertise in the production of household products as varied as the Tupperware line. His decades-long career was a source of joy and pride for himself and his loved ones.
James’ dedication to his country manifested in his service in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. In later years, James gave back to his fellow veterans in the State of Connecticut and beyond by volunteering with the AMVETS organization, rising to the level of vice-commander for Connecticut. His dedication to the cause of veterans extended even beyond James’ affiliation with the group, as he personally visited many ailing veterans over the years, doing what he could to provide comfort. James was a remarkable person whose life will serve as an exemplar of success, on a variety of levels, for many.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Marcella Joan Neeland; children: Stephanie, Susan, Lorraine, James, Thomas and Elaine - and an ever-widening circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always remember their beloved “Poppy” as the caring, kind, generous man he was.
Visitation was March 8 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
.