Battle of Midway Observance Honors Unsung Heroes and Their Legacy

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The many unsung heroes from the Battle of Midway and their legacy were remembered during an observance at the Monument to Naval Aviation Memorial at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, June 4.

The commemoration was hosted by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic and included guest speaker Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, director, Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Fleet Forces; Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Geis and Virginia Beach Mayor William Sessoms Jr. The ceremony, one of many across the Navy, commemorated the 71st anniversary of one of the most decisive battles of World War II, fought June 4 -7, 1942 near the small island of Midway, only about 1,500 acres in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

"The enemy had more planes, they had more ships, they had better equipment, but when it comes to defending America, when it comes to winning in battle, it's not the shiny objects that we operate. It's not the best planes or the most guns or the fastest ships, it's the country that has the best people who win," said Guadagnini.

Guadagnini highlighted several Sailors and Marines who "fought diligently and made a difference," helping turn the tide for the United States against the Japanese forces.

Many of those named by Guadagnini continued to fight the battle and help their fellow Sailors and Marines to safety, removing the dead and wounded, despite being severely injured themselves. Among the many heroes at Midway were Machinist's Mate 2nd Class R. H. Lowell, Seaman 2nd Class J. B. Rodgers and Fireman 3rd Class V.J. Miastowski from the PBY Catalina crew; the radiomen of the USS Nautilus (SS 168) who intercepted the contact report; and Torpedoman's Mate 2nd Class Orville R. Mott, on board PT-24, who manned two guns simultaneously, even though he suffered burns to his hands.

"Those in front of you are representative of the 7,000 Sailors and Marines that participated in that battle," said Guadagnini, as he looked at the Sailors from NAS Oceana and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story standing in ranks.

The admiral noted today's Sailors and Marines are direct descendants of those Midway heroes, trained by the previous generation, who were trained by the generation who fought in World War II. "These are the maritime Sailors who will keep America safe today and they will train the next generation that will keep America safe tomorrow - all based on the legacy of those brave Sailors and Marines who fought and won at Midway," Guadagnini said.

Geis also honored the Sailors of today.

"We honor those who served in that battle, along with the heroes that are being made right at NAS Oceana," Geis said.

Geis reminded those attending that naval aviation remains on the front lines around the world.

"You don't have to look very far to see what the Navy is doing in the current fight. Aviators from Carrier Air Wing 7, homebased right here at NAS Oceana, are currently flying combat sorties against terrorists half way around the world," said Geis, as an F/A-18 from Oceana coincidently flew overhead.

And like the heroes from Midway, Geis said "they are doing it with skill, tenacity and innovation," continuing the legacy of aviators such as Capt. David McCampbell, Lt. Cmdr. C. Wade McClusky and Lt. Cmdr. John C. Waldron.

Both Geis and Sessoms said the Monument to Naval Aviation, located at the oceanfront, was a fitting location for the observance. The bronze and granite statues and inscribed storyboards tell the story of naval aviation from its beginnings more than 100 years ago through World War II and up through modern times. The monument, free and open to the public, was funded by donations and fund-raisers from members of the Hampton Roads Squadron, Association of Naval Aviation (HRNANA) and their supporters.

"It's fitting the ceremony is taking place here at the Naval Aviation Monument. The Hampton Roads Squad of the Association of Naval Aviation built this monument on the city land in 2006 to commemorate the immeasurable, and I repeat immeasurable, contributions of naval aviation in defense our nation," said Sessoms.

"Here in Virginia Beach, we place great value in our long and proud connection to the armed forces and their members who are so much a part of our community and our lives, who are standing watch all around the world and we are proud of them," said Sessoms.

The mayor's remarks were followed by a wreath laying at the monument and the playing of "Taps."

"It's important to remember that people make a difference. The fighting spirit of America carried the day. For our naval forces, the fact that this was such a key maritime victory, it's as important today, if not more important that it was in 1942," said Guadagnini following the ceremony.

As a naval aviator himself, Guadagnini said, "all of us measure ourselves on those heroes who went before us and their heroic actions. We all want to make sure we can measure up."

One of several members of the HRANA attending the commemoration was retired Vice Adm. Ed Clexton, a former F-4 and F-14 pilot, who also commanded USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Even though the Battle of Midway was the turning point in the war, Clexton explained that in the last 10 years, the Navy has really focused on remembering the battle, with observances across the country.

"It really was a good choice, because of the significance to American history. Like the admiral (Guadagnini) said, it wasn't just the fliers. It was everybody out there. It was everybody involved and certainly everybody had to do their duty, everybody had their role," said Clexton.

He added that it's much like today's military who know the day might come when they also might have to step up in a time of war, much like those who fought at Midway did.