Tomorrow night, May 24th the USS Midway Museum will host a gala honoring six, possibly seven living WWII Medal of Honor recipients.
On Saturday, May 24 beginning at 6 p.m., our annual gala will honor the surviving recipients of the Medal Of Honor in World War II. “Beyond the Call of Duty” is a joint effort of the USS Midway Museum and The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. This black-tie affair promises to be a star-studded lifetime memory that you’ll treasure.
It will take place on the flight deck, surrounded by a glittering skyline. We’ll start the evening by enjoying Susan Anton as she sings the National Anthem. Our emcee is network newsman Sam Donaldson who promises to share some stories and memories of his own from nearly 50 years of covering national and international news.
In addition, our recipients will receive the Midway American Patriot Award as well as The National World War II Museum’s American Spirit Award.
The honorees -
Lt. John Finn, USN - Of course, I put the Sailor first, lol.
Private First Class Jacklyn Harold Lucas, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division - If you pick just one of these bios to read, this is the funniest.
Marine Corporal Hershel Woodrow 'Woody' Williams - This guy looks like a movie star!
First Lt. Charles Patrick Murray Jr., US Army
This is a picture of the Ehlers brothers, who both served. Roland was killed on D-Day.
Sgt. Walt Ehlers, U.S. Army
2nd Lt. Van Barfoot, U.S. Army
1st Lt. Vernon Baker, U.S. Army - The only living African American World War II hero to receive the Medal of Honor.
BZ to the Midway Museum and Scott McGaugh for speaking to us today at the Blogger's Roundtable. I think there will be video of tomorrow night's festivities available later and I'll try to get some of it.
Scott reminds us that 97% of the visitors are civilian and one of their primary goals is to bring the Midway to life for young people. So, if you are in San Diego, stop by.
America's oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, living his 99th year is former enlisted Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM), later wartime commissioned Lieutenant John W. Finn, USN (Ret.). He is also the last surviving Medal of Honor, "The Day of Infamy", Japanese Attack on the Hawaiian Islands, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
ReplyDeleteSee my photo album tribute to Shipmate John W. Finn:
http://news.webshots.com/album/141695570BONFYl