Remembering Hugh Adamson: A Union Painter and WWII Hero

This Memorial Day, we honor the remarkable life and legacy of Hugh Adamson — a union painter, a decorated World War II veteran, and a true example of courage and dedication.

Hugh joined the military at just 16 years old, serving as a paratrooper in Britain’s First Airborne Division. During his service, he was taken as a prisoner of war not once, but twice. The first time, in Sicily, he managed to escape with a fellow Scottish prisoner and return to the battlefield. The second time came after the infamous Allied Operation Market Garden in Arnhem, where Allied forces fought to hold a critical bridge. Hugh was captured and held in a German prison camp for nearly six months until the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945.

After the war, Hugh settled in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where he worked as a proud union painter. He rose to serve as president of both the Holyoke and Springfield painters’ unions, continuing his legacy of leadership and service. Hugh passed away in 2013, and in late 2024, his headstone was finally updated to properly recognize his military service.

We owe Hugh Adamson and veterans like him a tremendous debt. His commitment on and off the battlefield exemplifies the values we hold dear — strength, resilience, and solidarity. This Memorial Day, we proudly remember and honor Hugh’s sacrifice and legacy.