The Battle of Midway was the turning point of World War II in the Pacific. The fight on and around this crucial island in the Pacific Ocean that lasted from June 4 to 7 was commemorated during a ceremony at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Great Lakes Museum, June 4.

World War II Veteran Petty Officer 1st Class Fred Seidel, who served as an electrician's mate aboard the USS Swallow (AM 65), as well as Sailors from across Great Lakes and civilians from the local community honored this historic U.S. Navy victory with a wreath laying ceremony inside the museum.

Seidel was on hand representing his friend, Joe Sains, who was aboard the USS Hammann (DD 412) which sank during the Battle of Midway. Sains was unable to attend the commemoration due to medical reasons.

"I'm very, very happy to be here. My friend was so disappointed that he asked me to please make sure that I represent him here. Mr. Sains is one of the few survivors of the Battle of Midway left," Seidel said.

During the ceremony, Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes Commanding Officer Capt. John B. Vliet spoke about the significant role the Battle of Midway served during the war in the Pacific as well as the reason to commemorate the events there.

"This is the time to celebrate the fighting spirit and sacrifice of those who have fought heroically against a formidable opponent," Vliet said.

He also highlighted the numerous individual efforts that helped turn the tide of the battle toward the favor of the Americans.

"Thanks to American signals intelligence, the cryptologists, shrewd aircraft carrier tactics and more than a little luck, the Navy had inflicted a smashing defeat on the Japanese," Vliet said. "American pilots and crew won the day through courage and determination and ultimately the ultimate sacrifice."

The ceremony concluded with TSC Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Jeffrey A. Kirby and NAVSTA Great Lakes CMDCM Ryan J. Lamkin (SW) laying the commemorative wreath.

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.