Days Gone By

With Memorial Day at hand, it seems fitting that we look back and remember the sacrifice that one particular Seven Mile Beach family made for our freedom. Shown here is the family of Stone Harbor’s Stephen Ludlam. The photo shows Steve’s father, mother and grandmother in the studios of WFPG Radio in Atlantic City along with U.S. Army Major George C. Abbott Jr. on April 6, 1946. The Ludlams are being presented with the Distinguished Silver Cross on behalf of their son, who was 19 when he was killed in action in France during World War II. Steve was drafted in December 1943 while only a senior in high school. An All-Philadelphia soccer standout, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Steve was wounded in action in November 1944 and required two months’ hospitalization in Europe. Tragically, Steve lost his life about three weeks after being returned to duty following his hospital stay, on Jan. 25, 1945. Steve is one of two year-round residents of the Seven Mile Beach to make the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The American Legion post in Stone Harbor bears his name: Stephen C. Ludlam Post 331.

If You Have A Photo From The Past Send It To Us: Days Gone By, PO BOX 134, Avalon NJ 08202 - OR - Email info@7miletimes.com