First Naval Battle Fought Solely In The Air

More than 400 people enjoyed a patriotic evening at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel Ball Room June 4, during the seventh annual Battle of Midway Memorial Dinner.

The event, hosted by Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Annette E. Brown, paid tribute to veterans of the Battle of Midway. Midway veterans from all parts of the country attended the dinner, accompanied by their spouses, sons and daughters.

The evening included remarks by Midway veteran Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Chuck Wheeler and Guest Speaker Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Installations and Environment) Raymond Dubois, who concurrently serves as director, Administration and Management, Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Wheeler, who was serving as a third class petty officer aboard USS Enterprise (CV 6) during the Pacific battle, carried the veterans and guests back to the distant time of fury and fire with his speech.

"I’ll be talking about memories and events not found in history books," said Wheeler. "I’ll share with you what our guardian angels did for us. I’ll share with you how USS Yorktown survivors on board Enterprise shed tears when their carrier finally rolled over and went to the sea bottom."

Dubois, on the other hand, spoke words of praise, courage and bravery about those who defended freedom during the decisive campaign. According to Dubois, the veterans of Midway displayed uncommon valor and courage, and their sacrifices turned the tide toward a US victory in the Pacific.

Young Sailors in attendance cherished their time spent with the veterans.

"I like to come here and listen to the stories from the heroes of WWII. This is my second year in attendance, and I’m planning on attending next year," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW) Susan Clapp of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville operations department. "The whole atmosphere is uplifting and very patriotic. It’s one thing to read about WWII events in history books, and another to hear the veterans tell their story and actually meet the men and women that made history."

The highlight of the night’s events was the presentation of US flags flown over Midway Atoll to each veteran by Brown. The historic evening concluded with veterans and guests singing along, as Navy Band Southeast performed each of the service songs.

(ANN salutes Miriam Gallet, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs)

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/nasjax