The Pacific Theater of Operations (1941-1945)

"And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each one of us – recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities to the state – our success or failure, in whatever office we may hold, will be measured by the answers to four questions: were we truly men of courage…were we truly men of judgment…were we truly men of integrity…were we truly men of dedication?"

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963)
35^th President of the United States
Address to a Joint Convention of the
General Court of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, January 9, 1961

Japanese Empire at its Height

December 1941 – After bombing Pearl Harbor, Japan continues its aggression in the Pacific, invading the Philippines and Guam on December 10, 1941, Burma on December 11, British Borneo on December 16, Hong Kong on December 18, and Luzon in the Philippines on December 22. They take Wake Island on December 23, 1941. General Douglas MacArthur begins the U.S. withdrawal from Manila in the Philippines to Bataan. On December 27, 1941, the Japanese bomb Manila.

January 1942 – Japan captures Manila and the U.S. Naval base at Cavite on January 2, attacks Bataan in the Philippines on January 7, invades Dutch East Indies and Dutch Borneo on January 11, and advances into Burma on January 16. On January 27, 1942, the first Japanese warship is sunk by a U.S. submarine.

February 1942 – U.S. involvement in the Pacific increases. On February 1, the first aircraft carriers, Yorktown and Enterprise, conduct air raids on Japanese bases in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands. On February 24, the Enterprise attacks the Japanese on Wake Island. However, the Japanese continue their offensive actions, invading Java in the Dutch East Indies, Singapore, Sumatra, Bali and Darwin, Australia.

On February 22, President Roosevelt orders General MacArthur out of the Philippines. The largest U.S. warship in the Far East, the Houston, is sunk.

March 1942 – Action in the South Pacific continues to escalate. The British evacuate Rangoon in Burma; the Dutch surrender on Java. Japan invades the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. On March 11, General MacArthur leaves Corregidor for Australia. President Roosevelt appoints him commander of the Southwest Pacific Theater.

Here is an interesting Maine connection to General MacArthur:

 

I am voting in honor of my father, Reverend Edwin T. Cooke, who served from 1939-1945 as Chief of Chaplains in the South Pacific on General Douglas MacArthur's staff.
Dwight H. Cooke, Rockland
Served in WW II and Korea

On March 24, Admiral Chester Nimitz is appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Theater.

April 1942 – Outnumbered and short of food and medical supplies, American and Filipino soldiers hold out for three months defending Luzon on the Bataan Peninsula. Malaria, dysentery, and tropical diseases are rampant. On April 3, the Japanese attack the troops at Bataan. Six days later the U.S. forces on Bataan surrender unconditionally to the

Japanese. On April 10, the Bataan Death March begins.

Estimates of the number of American and Filipino prisoners who started the march vary widely. There were probably 76,000 Allied POW's, including 12,000 Americans, forced to walk 60 miles under a blazing sun without food or water toward a new POW camp, resulting in over 5,000 American deaths from malnutrition, disease and atrocious treatment by their captors.

Mainers recall veterans who endured the Bataan Death March:

I will be voting in honor of my brother, Pvt. Hugh P. Parsons, who served in the Army, Ground Air Corps. He was stationed in the Philippines, taken prisoner by the Japanese, survived the Bataan Death March, but died of dysentery in a POW camp on Luzon on September 23, 1942.

He and his two cousins, Charles Baird and Arthur Calderwood, and their close friend, Harold Morrison, had grown up together on North Haven and enlisted in the Army together in 1940. All four survived the Bataan Death March but all four died while POWs in the Pacific Theater. We, as a family, and the community as a whole lost, sacrificed, four wonderful young men.
Betty P. Brown, North Haven

When I vote, I will do so in tribute to Stanley B. Durgin. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in early 1941 and was sent to the Philippines in November. His plane was diverted by the attack at Pearl Harbor. His bomb group was formed into a Provisional Infantry Battalion. The Japanese pushed Americans down the Bataan peninsula. Durgin was wounded in the fighting. He was taken prisoner but survived the Bataan Death March. He was incarcerated in Japan for more than 3 years. His POW camp was within the primary target of the second atomic bomb, but weather conditions forced the drop on the secondary target, Nagasaki.
James W. Taylor, Jr., South Paris
Served in WW II, European Theater

I will be voting in honor of the 503d ABN Infantry Regiment. They jumped on Corregidor in the Second World War.
SFC Albert B. Heimann, Machias
Member of 503d ABN Inf Reg from 1955-1964
US Army (Ret.)

I am remembering my friend Evan Thurlow. He died in a Japanese prison camp after being captured in Corregidor.
Lester O. Delano, Lee
Served in WWII

June 4-5, 1942 – A turning point in the war occurs at the Battle of Midway. Squadrons of U.S. torpedo planes and bombers from the Enterprise, Hornet, and Yorktown attack and destroy four Japanese carriers and a cruiser, and damage another cruiser and two destroyers. The U.S. loses the Yorktown.

I am voting in honor of my aunt, Patricia (Cox) McNally, who served stateside during WWII.

According to a local newspaper account provided by her niece, Patricia McNally joined SPARs, "Semper Paratus-Always Ready," the women's backup to the Coast Guard during WWII. "She spoke wistfully of how the ships, carrying Coast Guardsmen off to the Pacific – off to war – would slip out silently in the night without warning."
Kerry M. Cox, Bangor
Served in Vietnam

Nearly two weeks later, on August 21, 1942, U.S. Marines repulse the first major Japanese ground attack on Guadalcanal, setting the stage for the Battle of Bloody Ridge on Guadalcanal from September 12-14, 1942.

Family members voted on Election Day in honor of Joseph P. Anastasio, who served in the South Pacific; they sent a copy of his "Enlisted Record and Report of Honorable Discharge" indicating that he had served in Guadalcanal, the North Solomons, New Guinea, and Luzon during his tour of duty from March 17, 1941 to August 15, 1945. And, according to these records, he received $300 "mustering out pay."
Elaine Anastasio (wife), Rumford
Jo-Ann Anastasio (daughter), Augusta
David Anastasio (son), Rumford

 

I am voting in honor of my friend, Phil Collins, Staff Sgt, who was in the U.S. Marines for 16 years. He was in major battles including Guadalcanal, Cape Glaster, and Peleiu. He was wounded on Peleiu and was one of seven of the entire company to survive. He received a letter of commendation and 7 battle medals.
Philip J. Theriault, Augusta
Served in Korea

I am voting in honor of my father, John J. Kaiser, Sr., a career Navy Chief Petty Officer, who gave his life during the Battle of Savo Island during World War II. The USS Juneau was sunk by Japanese naval forces during a night attack at Guadalcanal.
John J. Kaiser, Jr., Brunswick
Served in Korea and Vietnam

December 31, 1942 – Emperor Hirohito of Japan gives permission to his troops to withdraw from Guadalcanal after five months of bloody fighting against U.S. forces. However, they do not begin their evacuation for over a month.

January 1943 – The Allies succeed in overpowering Japanese troops in New Guinea.

February 9, 1943 – The Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal finally ends.

April 18, 1943 – U.S. code breakers identify the location of Japanese Admiral Yamamoto near Bougainville in the Solomon Islands.

 

My adopted mother, Lydia Truc Franz, was a sergeant in the Women's Army Corps. She was a crypt-analyst during WWII stationed at Arlington Hall, Virginia, deciphering Japanese code. She memorized 500 4-digit numbers and then scanned the code, which had been intercepted, to identify letters. She was on duty when the bombs were dropped. After the war she was sent to Shang Hai, China, as part of the Occupation Army.
Kathleen Ross, Owl's Head

I am voting in honor of my mom, Sophia Burnell, and my dad, Ernest Burnell. Both of them served during WWII in the Pacific Theater working in Army Intelligence/Radio Encryption.
Ernest J. Burnell, North Sebago
Served in Vietnam

July 8, 1943 – B-24 Liberators flying from Midway bomb the Japanese on Wake Island.

August 1 and 2, 1943 – 15 U.S. PT-boats attempt to block Japanese convoys in the Solomon Islands. PT-109, commanded by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, is rammed and sunk by a Japanese cruiser, killing two. The remaining crew survive, but some are severely injured. Kennedy heroically aids a badly injured sailor.

Mainers remember heroic sacrifices from veterans during this period:

My first cousin, Normand Dostie, was an aerial gunner in the Army Air Force. He was K.I.A. ("Killed in Action") October of 1943 over Leyte Island in the Philippines during World War II. He never came back to us. His headstone was placed just last year at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the "Garden of Remembrance" with 18 others from Maine who never came back.
Emile La Chance, Augusta
Served in Korea, 1951-52

I am voting in honor of my husband, Roland "Bud" Finley.

As described in a November 9, 2000 article* in the Moosehead Messenger provided by his wife, Staff Sergeant Finley served in the South Pacific and was the only survivor of a Japanese bombing attack that killed the 14 other soldiers "hunkered down on an island one mile long and one-half mile wide, close to the island of New Guinea." Finley received shrapnel wounds but returned to his post, waited for the bomber to return, and downed the Japanese plane on its fourth swing over the airstrip. For these actions he received the Purple Heart.

Eunice Finley, Dover-Foxcroft

*According to the same article, the Finleys take care of 1,150 veterans' graves, including those who served in the Revolutionary War.

I am proud to vote in honor of Junior N. Van Noy, "a 19-year-old American boy who gave his all for his country on battle-scarred Scarlet Beach in New Guinea, far from his beloved Idaho."

For his heroism, Van Noy received the Medal of Honor.

CITATION

"The Medal of Honor citation is awarded to Pvt. Junior N. Van Noy for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Finschhafen, New Guinea, on 17 October 1943. He was gunner in charge of a machine-gun post only five yards from the water's edge when the alarm was given that three enemy barges loaded with troops were approaching the beach in the early morning darkness. One landing barge was sunk by Allied fire, but the other two beached ten yards from Private Van Noy's emplacement. Despite his exposed position, he poured a withering hail of fire into the debarking enemy troops. His loader was wounded by a grenade and evacuated. Private Van Noy, also grievously wounded, remained at his post, ignoring calls of nearby soldiers urging him to withdraw, and continued alone to fire with deadly accuracy. He expended every round and was found covered with wounds, dead beside his gun. In this action, Private Van Noy killed at least half of the thirty-nine enemy taking part in the landing. His heroic tenacity at the price of his life not only saved the lives of many of his comrades but enabled them to annihilate the attacking detachment."

Franklin J. Martin, Bangor
Served in New Guinea,
Philippines & Bismarck Archipelago

Mainers pay tribute to gallantry and sacrifice in the Pacific Theater:

I am voting in honor of my cousin, 1^st Lt. Roland Albert, who was a navigator on a B-29 bomber lost over China in 1944 or 1945. Years later the remains of all the crew were buried at Arlington Cemetery.
Lionel E. Pelletier, Lewiston

My great-uncle, Merton Bridges, was in many major battles in WWII (Leyte, Okinawa, etc.) The last year of his life he finally talked about his experiences.
Molly T. Varnum, Sedgwick

My uncle, Dominic DeFilipp, just passed away at the age of 83. He had received a Purple Heart for wounds he received in the Philippines. He was the son of Italian immigrants who upheld the American dream even though he was fighting against those of his native tongue. He was a good man who deserves to be honored.
Christina DeFilipp, Kennebunkport

I am proud of my father, Charles I. Pentland. He was a Captain who served in parts of the U.S. and Japan. He is 79 years old now.
Priscilla D. Hoekstra, Etna

I am voting in honor of my father, Lt. M. Dewing Proctor, who was strafed while stationed on Mindoro Island in the Philippines. It was Christmas Eve 1944 and his men were playing cards. He went out to check the refueling tanks so they could finish their game. He died the next day. In his letters home to my mother he wrote often about why he was there and how he wanted his baby daughter (me) to grow up in a free country. My mother learned how to be a single parent, and neighbors and relatives filled in all the empty spots in my life, as so many Americans did for those left behind. Voting in my father's name, serving in public life, and respecting the government he fought to save for me are the ways I honor both his sacrifice and the gifts others gave to me and to my mother.
Anne Larrivee, New Gloucester

The Western Union telegram reads as follows:

"THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND SECOND LIEUTENANT MORRIS D PROCTOR REPORT RECEIVED STATES HE DIED TWENTY FIVE DECEMBER ON MINDORO AS RESULT OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS. DUNLOP ACTING THE ADJUTANT GENERAL."

 

My husband, Durward W. Carroll, was one of three brothers who served in three different services in World War II: Army/Air Force, Navy, and Army. My husband served in Guam and Okinawa. His father had to sign for him to enlist – he was only 17 years old. He had a chance to stay stateside but chose not to.
Jane B. Carroll, Lincoln

Mary Adams Patterson's story is representative of the extraordinary contributions of many women who, like the men of their time, left home and family to serve their country and then returned to Maine to resume their lives, raise their families, and serve their communities.

Several loved ones, including Tami Patterson and Patrick Patterson of Garland, wrote to praise the contributions of Mary Eileen Adams Patterson, R.N. According to family accounts, she served from 1944-47 as an active duty nurse, including service in the Pacific Theater. After the war ended, she was assigned to inactive duty and in 1951 was honorably discharged from the Navy to return home to Maine.

I am voting in honor of my mother, Mary A. Patterson, who graduated from Eastern Maine General Hospital in Bangor in 1943. She was the oldest of Mr. and Mrs. George Clarence Adams' 14 children from East Holden, Maine.
Rita M. Hall, Brewer

My grandmother, Mary A. Patterson, boarded a train in Bangor and waved goodbye to a crying mother, a very emotional mother because Mary's brother, William C. Adams, was in Europe with the Army, and another brother, John E. Adams, would join her soon for basic training at Sampson, NY. Her father was away working at the South Portland Shipyard and Mary's sister Pauline joined the Cadet Nurse Corps.
Aaron Markey, Carmel

 

My mother, Mary Patterson, told her stories to us as children and she didn't sugar coat them. She told about combat, death, suffering, and sacrifice on the part of our military and the struggles of being a woman veteran.
Claire P. Winchester, Bangor

When I vote, I will honor my oldest sister, Mary Adams Patterson, who volunteered for duty wherever necessary. She was sent to Guam and Saipan. We never saved any of her interesting letters, but I do remember her telling us that, after talking with natives and missionaries on Saipan, Mary believed Amelia Earhart died there.
George C. Adams, East Holden

Paul J. Yenco, my husband, is deceased as of 1990. During World War II, he was in the Navy and piloted the smaller boats from the large ships, bringing the troops to land. He joined the Navy on December 28, 1942 and was discharged on January 23, 1946. He told me of the many Japanese suicide planes that were constantly over their ship and many nearly hit. He told me after we were married in 1954, that he was prepared to die for he thought he'd never live through it all, but he thanked his mom for her constant prayers.

His ship finally came back to California to prepare for a big invasion to Japan but thank God victory was declared and he came home. The only wound he had was a cut on his left arm from a Japanese soldier who had stabbed him when he was returning with a boatload of troops to the main ship. Apparently no one noticed the soldier had a knife. He was a prisoner and attacked Paul in the boat. Otherwise, you could say he was lucky for he was always in "the thick of it"_his quote.
Addie M. Yenco, Lisbon Falls

December 17, 1944 – The U.S. Air Force begins preparations for dropping the atomic bomb by organizing the 509^th Composite Group to operate the B-29's that will deliver the bomb.

January 3, 1945 – General MacArthur is placed in command of all U.S. ground forces and Admiral Nimitz is put in command of all naval forces in preparation for planned assaults against Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Japan itself.

I am voting in honor of the 22^nd Marines Reinforced FMF (Fleet Marine Force*), who fought in Okinawa in 1945. They liberated the capitol of Okinawa and were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

*Fleet Marine Force includes ground and air units designed to serve with the fleet for seizing and defending advanced naval bases and for conducting such land operations as may be essential in the prosecution of a naval campaign.

The following account is taken from an article written by Tom Bartlett for Leatherneck magazine, December 1976:

"On May 10, the Sixth Marine Division was ready to lead the Allied drive toward Naha, the Okinawa capitol. The 22^nd Regiment would pave the way, with its 2^nd Battalion maintaining contact with the First Marine Division and the 3^rd Battalion on the seacoast.

Marine engineers did the impossible; Marine tanks did the incredible; individual efforts by Marine grunts, officers and corpsmen overcame all obstacles, whether manmade or natural.

And when it was over, 75,000 Japanese were killed; 10,755 (mostly Okinawa and Korean Conscripts) were captured. American losses were also heavy; 7,373 killed. 31,807 wounded and 239 missing.

It was 101 days from start to finish of the Okinawa campaign when the bulk of the Sixth Marine Division embarked and withdrew to Guam.

The Sixth Marine Division had never seen the United States throughout its 19 months of existence. Formed overseas, the division's members fought overseas. They also disbanded overseas.

Combat decorations were presented. A total of 1,592 Sixth Marine Division members stepped forward to receive awards from their division commander."

Louis J. Batas, Old Town
Served in WWII and Korea

Lt. Millard H. Patten Jr. was my best friend. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in the Battle of Okinawa.

According to Patten's obituary included in Mr. Treworgy's tribute, "About 500 yards from camp they came across an area showing signs of Japanese activity. Lt. Patten took two enlisted men and went off to investigate a small ravine to one flank…There were several small cave openings in the ravine, one of which appeared to have been recently occupied. One of the men started forward to look into the cave, but Lt. Patten stopped him and said he would go first. As he bent over to look into the cave, a Japanese soldier inside shot and instantly killed him, the bullet entering the base of his skull. The two men with Lt. Patten immediately engaged in a fierce close range fight with the Japanese in the cave in order to retrieve his body, which they did…In all, six Japanese soldiers were killed and a large stock of demolition charges captured but at the irreplaceable cost of the lives of two excellent young American officers."
Carl L. Treworgy, Hallowell

My uncle, James A. Ferguson, was the remaining son of 3 boys in the Ferguson family, and he gave his life for his country in the Second World War on Luzon.
Roland C. Ferguson, Biddeford
Served in Korea

The following tribute represents the deep friendships that develop through shared military experiences:

Captain John A. Titcomb, USMC, was from a well-to-do family in Farmington; he went to Texas A & M, was married and had small children. I was from a poor farm family in Damariscotta Mills and only had attended high school. We both trained in close air support. We first met in Luzon, the Philippines in late January 1945. We were involved in the battle for Manila and to free the 3,500+ inmates of Santo Tomas Internment Camp. On March 1, 1945, Captain Titcomb was killed by a Japanese sniper's bullet while directing a close air support mission from the front lines. Marine Captain John A. Titcomb – officer, gentleman, husband, father, and friend – was a credit to the Corps and a very brave fighting Marine.
Phillip E. Armstrong, South Portland
Served in the Pacific in the early 1940's

February 19 - March 16, 1945 – U.S. Marines invade and capture Iwo Jima.

I will vote in tribute to John Bradley, who died in January 1994, and was the last surviving Navy Corpsman from the group of 6 Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima.
Robert O. Brown, South Portland
Served in Korea and Vietnam

Alcee A. Vigue
(1944)

I will be voting in honor of my friend, Lt. John Holt. We served together in the 483^rd Battalion in the Pacific Islands operations.

Attached to Mr. Johnson's tribute are Lt. Holt's memoirs, including the following recollections:

"Remember hiding in bushes on Ulithi watching the naval officers and Admirals Halsey and Nimitz dancing with the nurses? Remember washing clothes on Iwo with homemade propeller-driven washing machines? Remember heating coffee over steaming holes in the ground and heating water in helmets on an old 90mm shell stuck in the steam hole? Remember ever seeing a piece of green grass or bush or anything but volcanic ash on Iwo? (I don't.)"

Harold J. Johnson, South Portland
Served on Pacific Islands of Anguar, Ulithi,
and Iwo Jima

I am voting in honor of Louie Paré. He served with the Marines on Iwo Jima in WWII and earned a Purple Heart. He later served with the U.S. Army as a surveyor in the Philippines.
Alan S. Grover, Monroe
Served as a U.S. Navy Photographer, including
work in aerial mapping and surveillance

April 1, 1945 – The final amphibious landing of the war occurs as the Tenth Army invades Okinawa. By June 22, 1945, they complete their capture of Okinawa when Japanese resistance ends.

April 12, 1945 – President Roosevelt dies and is succeeded by Vice President Harry S. Truman.

U.S. Intensifies its Assault on Japan

April - July 1945 – U.S. intensifies its assault of Japanese on land, in the air, and on the sea. B-29s fly their first fighter-escorted mission against Japan with P-51 Mustangs based on Iwo Jima. By mid-July 1,000 bomber raids against Japan begin.

 

I am voting in honor of my brother, 1^st Lt. Joseph Gardiner Currier, who was a bombardier on a B-29. He was shot down on a mission over Kawaski, Japan, on April 16, 1945. He was taken prisoner and declared dead one year later. His personal belongings never came back.
Mary Loyola Albert, Bangor

Our dad, Earl J. St. Laurence, was a B-29 pilot and proud of it. He quit high school to join the Army Air Force. He flew bombing and weather reconnaissance missions from North Field in Guam to Japan. He was forced down on Iwo because of a gas leak and was chased by the Japanese coming out of the jungle on take off.
Mrs. Dorothy Fraser, Groton, MA

The Tragedy of the USS Indianapolis

At 12:14 AM on July 30, 1945, the cruiser USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea. It sank, bow first, in less than 15 minutes. Of the nearly 1,200 men on board, approximately 300 went down with the ship and 900 men were left floating in shark-infested waters, with few lifeboats and little food or water. By the time the survivors were rescued 5 days later, only 316 men were still alive. The rest had died from hunger, drinking salt water, drowning and shark attacks. By many accounts, this was the worst naval disaster in American history.

At the time of this attack the USS Indianapolis had been on her way to Leyte in the Philippines after delivering a secret cargo to Tinian Island in the Marianas. This top secret cargo reportedly was a delivery of vital parts for the atomic bombs to be dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Indianapolis was due to reach Leyte on July 31, but no report was ever made when she didn't arrive on schedule, so no rescue operation was launched.

By chance, a twin-engine plane flying routine patrol in the area spotted the wreckage on August 2, 1945. The pilot immediately radioed for help and rescue operations began.

The USS Indianapolis had traditionally served as the flagship of the 5^th Fleet. Several times before the attack on Pearl Harbor, she had carried President Franklin Roosevelt and members of his cabinet. During her 14 years of service, she was honored with 10 battle stars for her actions during the war.

U.S. Drops Atomic Bomb

August 6, 1945 – A U.S. B-29, the Enola Gay, drops the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

My brother, Maurice B. Bean, guarded the Enola Gay for many weeks before it dropped the atomic bombs on Japan.
Mrs. Avis E. Sussenguth, Topsfield

 

I will vote in honor of my father, Kendall C. Huff, who was a Seaman 1^st class in WWII. He was drafted at the end of the war and was in training for the Japanese invasion when the bomb was dropped. He told me he was glad when the war was over.
Barry W. Huff, Lewiston
Served in Vietnam

August 9, 1945 – The second atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki.

 

I will be voting in honor of Maj. William Bragner, who was military governor of Nagasaki after the 2^nd atomic bomb was dropped. Bill and I went to high school together and to Dartmouth College, where we roomed together for three years – class of 1930.
Paul F. Poehler, Wells
Served in the Navy in the
Philippines

August 14, 1945 – The Japanese accept unconditional surrender. General MacArthur is appointed to head the occupation forces in Japan.

Mainers share personal stories about the sacrifice, valor, and dedication of servicemen and women in the Pacific Theater:

I am voting in honor of Cpl. Jack McLean, a boyhood friend of mine, who came to Maine from Vancouver, Canada, to be raised by an aunt. He subsequently ran away from her to join the Marine Corps early in WWII and was killed in the Pacific campaign.
Everett B. Perkins, Bath
Served in Army Air Corps during WWII

I am proud of the service and sacrifice of my uncle, Stanley W. Tumosa. Stan was from Dover-Foxcroft and served as a pilot in the Navy in the Pacific Fleet. On the USS Franklin, he was in his aircraft on deck waiting for take-off when a 500-pound bomb hit. He lost his life.
George W. Greene, Kittery Point
Served in Korea

 

My father, Allan E. Horne, served in the Navy during WWII on the destroyer Vesole that patrolled the waters near Japan. He is quite proud of the fact that he and one other aboard ship were the only ones who knew how to play cribbage. One year and a half later the whole ship knew how to play.
Janet H. Richards, Milo

I am voting in honor of Ben Moore, a very dear and close friend for many, many years. Ben served in the Army in the Pacific Theater, but he never talked that much about it.
Cynthia Peavey, Clinton

I want to pay tribute to both of my parents, Horace A. Howieson, now deceased, and Joan Howieson. My father was a Marine in the South Pacific and was also a gunnery/drill instructor and taught shooting. My mother was a WAVE in the U.S. Navy who worked as a lab technician stationed in San Diego.
Holly A. Howieson, Camden

I am proud of the service of my parents, Helen I. Ellis, who was a nurse in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), and Ruel P. Ellis, who was a "Sparky" in the Navy. They met each other at Fort Williams in Portland.
Ruel C. Ellis, Winthrop
Served in Vietnam and Desert Storm

I am voting in honor of my father, John E. Howe, who served in WWII, first in CAP Coastal Patrol in Portland, Maine; then he was a Navy Machinist Mate stationed in Jacksonville, Florida.
Olive E. Risko, Bryant Pond
Former cadet nurse

My father, Asa Markey, was in the Army when WWII was declared. He served many months in the Pacific Islands. One battle took place as the Japanese were eating. Dad yanked a dead Japanese soldier's face out of his dish and ate the fish and rice. He could never swallow a mouthful of tuna after WWII.
Edgar Markey, Carmel
Served in Bosnia, still serving in Army

I will be voting in honor of my father, Roscoe L. Arnold, Jr., who served on a destroyer in the South Pacific. A quiet hero!
Bruce Arnold, Greenbush
Served in Vietnam, Dominican Republic,
Desert Storm
Retired E-9, US Navy

My father, John Gregory Gatchell, was only 18 years old when he served on a destroyer in the Pacific. He never talked about it, but being a veteran now myself, I know that those years had a profound effect on him.
Daniel Gary Gatchell, Brunswick
Served in Vietnam

My wife, Mabel M. Fick, served for 3 years as a 1^st Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps in the South Pacific.
Capt. William F. Fick, Kennebunk
U.S. Army Retired

 

I am voting in honor of my uncle, Burton C. Treadwell, who served in the last unit of the Cavalry in WWII and was killed in Burma just before the war ended. I never knew him but because of him I'm free.
Hannah Phillips, Acton

I pay tribute to my aunt, Dorothy Lombardi (Blinkhorn), who served in the WAVES.
Christina Olsen, Falmouth

My dad, Gerald Thompson, served in the Army during WWII on the Burma Road in India. I will wear the button in memory of all who have served our country, those living and those who died in my place. We owe it to our vets to take care of them and give them the peace and honor they so richly deserve.
Geraldine M. Randall, Hudson

August 16, 1945 – General Wainwright, a POW since May 6, 1942, is released from a POW camp in Manchuria.

September 2, 1945 – A formal Japanese ceremony is held on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay as 1,000 carrier-based planes fly overhead. President Truman declares V-J DAY.

I am voting in honor of my dad, James Elmore Wright. He was a Chief Petty Officer during WWII on a battleship, the Missouri, I believe. He loved the Navy and was proud to serve.
Susan W. Igleheart, Old Town

My father, Kenneth A. Trafton, was serving aboard the USS Missouri at the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. General MacArthur was on board. My father passed away on September 1, 1999.
Mrs. Carolyn M. Gary, Mattawamkeag

I am proud of the service of my husband, James N. Bodlovick, who was a Tech 5 in the Army during WWII and was a sports writer for the Pacific Stars and Stripes.
Roberta P. Bodlovick, Scarborough

Wallace M. Thompson in front
of tents where they slept.

My husband, Cpl. Wallace Mathew Thompson, was with the 152^nd Field Artillery, 43^rd Division, in the South Pacific, Coral Sea, Invasion of the Philippines, and the release of prisoners from Bataan. He served from 1943 to 1945. He got malaria and was on the seas heading for home when war was declared over…a wonderful man, devoted citizen, and honorable soldier.
Frances Schoppe Thompson, Holden

My brother, Donald R. Brewster, served in the Navy from 1943 - 1945. He has always been more than just a big brother to me. He really qualifies as a hero in my book. I don't know all that he did as a Navy Pharmacist Mate, but I have heard him share just enough to know that he contributed much to the welfare of many who went onto the beaches and into the jungles in the Pacific during WWII.

 

Don was 18 when he went into the Navy. He had been living in Rockland with my mother and grandmother and had just graduated from Rockland High School. Our father Donald had died just a year or two before and I know that this was a tough time for Don and for my mother and grandmother. I know that his leaving was very difficult for them and that the fear of losing him after losing a husband and father was traumatic.

I know he served aboard a hospital ship in the Pacific and that he got much of his training in Hawaii before sailing to the Pacific Theater. I know he went ashore with the Marines when they moved into the Pacific Islands. I know he was in Tokyo Harbor when the peace treaty with Japan was signed.

I know he doesn't talk much about what he saw and experienced. I believe he kept much pain to himself and I can only speculate that there were times in his life when that pain may have been difficult to bear. He is the only real father figure I have ever known and I am very proud of him and what he has done with his life.
Elbert R. Brewster, Oakland Served in Vietnam

Additional Tributes Submitted Online

Tribute to my grandfather, Allison Bishop:

This year, I will be voting in honor of my grandfather, Allison Bishop, who served bravely in the Navy during WWII on the USS Braine.

Greta Dube, Winterport Maine

Tribute to my father, Norman T. Pease:

He loved his country and his family! Navy and U.S. Army reserve.

Robert A. Pease, Waldoboro

Tribute to my father-in-law, Francis C Soares Jr.:

My father-in-law is a Veteran of three wars. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. His ship "Tanney" was credited with saving the power plant during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He is a soldier that deserves to be honored!

Leslie Soares, China

Tribute to my father, Paul Messier:

I am voting in honor of my father, Paul Messier who served in the Pacific in WWII aboard the USS Perkins. He was a torpedoman's mate. His ship was in Tokyo Harbor when the Japanese surrendered, he has pictures of warships in the harbor.

Paulette Messier, Brunswick, Maine

Tribute to my father, Gayland Moore Jr.:

I vote in honor of my dad, who was a motor machinist's mate, second class, aboard the LCI 565 in the Pacific at the Battles of Leyte, Luzon and Okinawa. His ship was in Hawaii, waiting to invade Japan, when the war ended.

Roxanne M. Saucier, Bangor

Tribute to my father, Lee M Billings:

I am voting in honor of my father who entered the US Army February 1941. He served at Guadalcanal, the North Solomons, New Guinea, and was presented with the Bronze Star metal for his participation at Luzon.

Linda Tyler, Dixfield, Maine

Tribute to my brother-in-law, Paul A Lancaster:

He served on a destroyer.

Deanna Pease, West Gardiner, ME

Tribute to my father, Austin C. Billings:

I am voting in 2004 in honor of my father, Austin C. Billings. He served his county with pride and determination during the Pacific campaign. I was his little girl waiting for him to return. And, I thank God that he did. I have the letters he wrote to me and a pair of tiny shoes woven by hand from native materials in the Phillipines. They hang by a pink bow in my den as a reminder of Dad's love for me while in the service of our country.

Bonnie Billings Fay, Rockland

Tribute to my Father, Fillmore B. Clough:

Until recently I have not heard my father say much about what he experienced during the War. He served in the Navy as a gunner's mate on an airplane. He just gave me one of his flight logs which I have found very interesting. God Bless him and all the men and women who have served this country and who are now serving so that we may continue to have all Freedoms and Rights we are so accustomed to having.

Karen Withee, Gardiner, Me

Tribute to my father, Donald Lawler:

I am voting in honor of my father Donald Lawler who was a World War II veteran who passed away May 12, 2004.

Theresa Goff, Merrill

Tribute to my Father, Paul Messier:

My father, Paul Messier, of Brunswick, served on the USS Perkins, a destroyer, in 1945 in the Pacific Theater. 25 years later, my husband, D. Michael Dunn, now of Warren, served aboard the USS Perkins in the Pacific from 1968 to 1970.

Denise Messier, Warren

Tribute to my Father, H.E. Boles:

I am voting in honor of my father, H.E. Boles. He enrolled in the Army Air Corps when he was l9 years old. He did not return for five years. He repaired bombers and fighter planes which were used in the South Pacific. He enlisted even though he knew a war was coming. I am very proud of my father.

Ellen Santana, Vienna, Me.

Tribute to my aunt, Hilda Tozier:

Hilda Tozier Foote graduated from Island Falls High School and attended the University of Maine Farmington from 1939 to June of 1942. She then served as a meteorologist in the United States Army from June of 1944 to August of 1948. She worked as a supply technician at the US Navy Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme, Calif. from 1974 until the late 80's. She was married to John Foote, also a World War II veteran and was the mother five children, David, Laurel, Amy, Nora and Tom. She died in Oxnard, CA, where she lived for many years, on March 7, 1983.

Rose-Marie Bragdon, Sherman, Maine

Tribute to my father, James E. Ryan Sr.:

World War II veteran, decorated with the Bronze Star. A heart warm thank you to all of our WWII vets.

James E. Ryan Jr., Hampden

Tribute to my Grandfather, Elmer E. Hoyt:

Although this day November 17, 2004 is my first day without you physically, hardens my heart. May your hunting, military stories and words of wisdom forever hold my heart. I love you Gramps and I will miss you.

William I. Dawe II, Clinton

Tribute to my grandfather, Levi Joseph King:

To you whom have come before from us that have followed thereafter, we stand in salute of your service so that we may serve today. Thank you.

Adam Thompson, Medway, Me

Tribute to my Father, Clement Scala:

This is a tribute to my dad. Not only did he serve as an Army sergeant in the Pacific Theater at the age of 18. He returned home to Portland only to enlist in the U.S. Navy and shipped out again to the Pacific for the Korean conflict. I am very proud of my dad. He continues to make me proud even today. Last year (2004) at the age of 83, dad traveled from Portland on his own to meet comrades in Warrick, Rhode Island and made the trek to Washington, D.C. for the WWII memorial services. In my eyes he is a true Maine hero.

Anthony Scala, Portland, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Francis W. Lyons Sr.:

Son of an Irish Immigrant, Francis W. Lyons, (Deceased: 02/2005), served the duration of the war during WWII as a Gunnersmate U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre. He attained the rank of Acting Chief Petty Officer and saw action during the Island Hopping Campaign, along with service in the North Atlantic on Mine Sweeper and L/C Ship. Thanks Dad. R.I.P. Your son, Gunnery Sergeant Matt Lyons, USMC Ret.

Matt Lyons, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Lester O Prue Jr.:

Thank You Dad for your service to our great country!!!

David Prue, South Berwick Me.

Tribute to my Father, Arthur E. Ray:

I am honoring my father, who served with the U.S. Marines during WWII.

Arthurlene J. Eaton, Wells, Mane

Tribute to my Father, Chief Petty Officer Ben Lyons:

I vote in honor of my dad, who raised me to honor and respect my country, our flag, our god, and the values for which they all stand on. To appreciate the freedoms he fought for in WWII. In the 1940s, he stood on the deck of a ship and faced the enemy as a Gunners mate during the Island Hopping Campaign and the invasion of Japan. He experienced the terrors of war and against those who would love to steal our freedoms and sense of safety. He proudly carried the values his father, an Irish Immigrant, taught him and understood what it was to love his country and the democracy of free people who govern themselves. Thanks Dad, you served your country and your family well.

Gunnery Sergeant Matt Lyons, USMC Ret.

Matt Lyons, Hiram, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Frederick George Curtis, Sr.:

Honor is associated with honesty, great respect, high regard, integrity, and dignity. Veterans are to represent all this and much more. My father, Frederick George Curtis, Sr., a soldier of the 2nd Armored Division, Hell on Wheels during WWII exemplifies these words not only as a soldier but as a person and most of all as a father. He brings so much to the table each day of his life, leading by example, to be an honorable and proud citizen of the United States of America, to give back to the community which helped raise you and yours, to expect in return what you give. On May 19th, 2006, he will be 79 years young. Here's to you " Daddy"... red, white and blue...all the way right through the legacy you have created to carry on what you taught us is so extremely important! We are all ever so proud of your service towards keeping this Country and its people free.

Belinda Raymond, Kingman, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Gale E. Hincks:

Thanks for serving!

Walter Hincks, Orrington, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Russell N. Charles:

Dad, I am so very proud of you for fighting for our country, so that we may live safe and free. You are my hero Dad and I would like to thank you and let you know I appreciate you!

Deborah Charles-Bean, Dayton, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Marshall Spear:

As a 19 year old Army soldier, he survived the attack at Pearl Harbor, then was stationed in Alaska where he faced the enemy there. He later served in the Air Force for 29 years. Now at 84 years of age, he is still proud of his military service.

Sandra Olson, Thomaston, Maine

Tribute to my Father, James Hannigan:

Dad entered as a volunteer army recruit March 20, 1941, was discharged September 20, 1945. Overseas, April 1943, came back September 1945. In Combat on Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte, Okinawa, Marshall Island, Kwalalein, and the Philippines.

Karyn Hannigan, Hodgdon [now Dover, NH]

Tribute to my Uncle, Richard Erico:

I am honoring my Uncle, Richard Erico, who was in Hawaii when they were bombed. Luckily he lived to tell about it. He went on to be a wonderful husband, father and uncle. I love you Uncle Richard.

Carolee Tribou, Bath, Maine

Tribute to my Uncle, Clarence Peterson:

He survived being in a Japanese concentration camp for 3 ? years. He could only eat baby food for a long time after coming home. He loved his country and was proud to be an American.

Vickie Ramos, Mechanic Falls, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Captain Charles W. Weaver, Jr.:

My father served with "Bull Halsey" during the great Pacific battles as his navigation and recon officer. He had many tales to tell. He also was the commandant of USNR 1-1 Unit in Portland and from there swore his own son into the Navy in 1957. He retired as a Captain after 30 years service. We're so proud of his contributions to the war and this State.

C.W. Weaver, III, North Yarmouth, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Harold Briggs:

Though I never got the chance to know you, I felt I did through all the stories my mother told me about you. My son's middle name is Briggs as an honor to carry on the family name. I pray God keeps you with him and you're looking in on us from time to time.

Heather Trask, East Waterboro, Maine

Tribute to my friend, John Ryan:

SGT John Ryan, attended Bowdoin College under a WWII army program (Graduated after the war), and served in the Pacific Theater as a central fire control gunner on a B-29 that was shot down over Japan in April, 1945. He was held as a prisoner of war under bad conditions until the end of the war.

Joseph Cooper, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Tribute to my Grandfather, Leonard R. Sanborn:

This is a man who put his country first and told me about the war and how it felt to be a WWII veteran. One thing I can say is this man has the biggest heart that any soldier could of ever had he raised me since I was a little boy. I grew up with the utmost respect for people that have lived or are still living like my grandfather. He taught me how to be a man while I was growing up. There is one thing that I have to say ?I could never have had a better way to grow up then to grow up with a true marine?. Thank you for everything you?ve done for me and still do. Your wisdom is the best gift you gave to me and one of the most important things in the world. I am very proud of my grandfather a true U.S. Marine. Thank you and I love you...

Joseph L. Donegan, Arundel, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Alton F. Sabin, Sr.:

Alton F. Sabin, Sr. was wounded in the South Pacific while a forward observer in the U.S. Army. He was shot by 2 bullets on his left arm and blown up by a bomb and lost his right hip. He was in the military hospital for 18 months. He lost the use of his left hand and dragged his right leg. He received a metal hip in the military hospital. He returned state side and regained the use of his left hand and his right leg. He was employed by the U.S. Post Office in Bangor as a letter carrier for 38 years.

Gail L. Sabin, Orrington, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Wendell L. Hardison:

My beloved father has passed away. He was a WWII US Army vet with the honors of purple heart and bronze star. He was in Hawaii when the bombs were dropped. He taught me to always honor our country and never take my freedom for granted. I respect all he and those who served and are serving have done for my freedom. I am so proud of my dad, he was a true war hero and will always be a hero in my heart. I love you and miss you dad.

Cindy (Hardison) Nickerson, Hermon, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Allan E Horne:

Thank you Dad! We miss you!

Karen Horne Clark, Milo, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Norman Palmer:

I will vote in honor of my father Norman Palmer who was a member of the Bangor Victory Platoon and was stationed aboard the USS Wasp. Unfortunately he would never discuss the events of the war with us but growing up I could tell the major impact it made on him. Since his death on Christmas Day 2004 I have found pictures of battles as well as the daily bulletins from aboard the Wasp that have filled in some gaps. My thanks to all veterans for everything they have done and seen. Dad was a proud man who felt joining the Navy at 17 was the right thing to do.

Eileen Lafland, Dedham, Maine

Tribute to my husband, C. Paul Bush, Jr.:

Thank you for all that you've done.

Elizabeth Bush, Eastport, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Andrew Bundeff, Jr.:

Thank you for all that you did.

Elizabeth Bush, Eastport, Maine

Tribute to my friend, George H. Savage:

Thank you for all that you did.

Elizabeth Bush, Eastport, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Floyd Kenneth Smith:

I would like to send my thoughts and gratitude to my Grandfather who served our country and fought for all Americans. He was the most wonderful person.W e still love you and miss you very dearly.

Sharon Bemis, Atkinson, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Floyd Kenneth Smith:

He was the man I remember growng up. He was the most wonderful dad I could ever have. I will always remember him as my hero for fighting World War II. I just wish we could have another chance just to let him know how much gratitude we have for him. We love you and miss you very dearly.

Wanita Woodward, Atkinson, Maine

Tribute to my Great-uncle, Arthur W. Christie:

We love you and miss you very dearly. You did a wonderful job in fighting the war for your country. Your family misses you very dearly. You will always be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharon Bemis, Atkinson, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Dominic D'Agostino:

My father served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam and is truly a hero because of the person he is and how he treats everyone! I love him.

Marietta, Pittston, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Philip H. Wardwell, Sr.:

My father served in the 5th Air Force, 85th Airdrome Squadron of the US Army. His expression of partiotism throughout his life will be remembered and honored by his family. He passed away at 85 years old on September 30, 2008. He was a man of great integrity who valued his family and the simple pleasures of life.

Bernadette Curtis, Gorham, Maine

Tribute to my Father-In law, Richard Martin:

Richard "Porky" Martin received his Purple Heart and Medal of Honor in an envelope sent to his house. He's the gentleman that was on Channel 6 News for finding a war buddy after 63 years. I think we could do a little better then getting Oh by the way we forgot here's your medals in a envelope.

Lynda Martin, Sidney, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Birchie N. Tarr:

Daddy, I just wanted to say how very much I miss you. Thank-you for serving four years of your life to keep us free here at home in America. I know it was hard on you and you would never talk about it. Mom stood by you every step of the way and you knew when you came home she was waiting. I LOVE YOU DADDY!

Annie, Troy, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Keith L. Winchenbach:

My Father proudly served his country and he is a living tribute to how great our country is and what an honor we have to live in such a nation--it is because of men & women like my Dad that put country first.

Cathy York, Damariscotta, ME

Tribute to my Father, Floyd Keniston:

I am so proud of my dad. He survived being in Pearl Harbor. He is such a good man and I love him very much. He would like to go back to Hawaii again and I wish he could.

Kendra Ouellette, Hollis, Maine

Tribute to my Father, James N. Bodlovick:

I am proud of my father?s contribution in WWII Pacific Realm, a Tech 5 and Sports writer for Stars and Stripes. He, like so many of his era were men of integrity, family first and sacrifice and held to his religious faith fiercely. He was a man of strong opinion.

Greg Bodlovick, Portland, Maine

Tribute to my Uncle, Richard:

In honor of Uncle Richard who survived the bombing at Pearl Harbor who lived to become a great husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend and brother in law to Bill who served in the army in Europe WWII and Lenny who was also in the navy and in the Pacific. Thank you for your sacrifices we all love you.

Joanne Waugh,

Tribute to my Grandfather, Albion "Gabe" Gerry:

We miss you every day and we thank all of you for our FREEDOM! God Bless You and our heart's be with you always we love you Grampie.

Shaunna, Pittsfield, Maine

Tribute to my Uncle, Llewellyn Miller:

Uncle Lew served as a radioman on the USS Makin Island, an escot aircraft carrier in the Pacific that provided cover for the landings at Luzon, Leyte Bay and Okinawa. His ship was under constant attack by the Japanese Navy, but especially by Kamikaze. Uncle Lew always liked flying high and was a tree climber, hang glider and ice boater. Here's to you, unk, and I know you are flying higher than all of us.

Marilyn Burgess, Leeds, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Abbott Peare:

My dad served in World War II he passed away July 8th, 2009 at the age of 94 years old he love his family and his country till the day he went to be with his maker. God bless him and God bless America.

Keith Peare, Westbrook, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Frank W. Richards:

I am voting in honor of my father who was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He died in August 1963, a Carnegie Hero for saving two of my friends from drowning.

Rose Fraser, Woodstock, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Fredrick Turnbull:

My dad was in the Navy and served aboard a ship. He never spoke of the war. He was a good and hard working Master Carpenter. I wish I knew more of his service time but respect why he did not want to speak of it. I found it interesting that he chose the navy as he was from Ohio and never learned to swim. He met my mother and they moved to Maine but he never particularly enjoyed the water- mom always loved the water but got seasick while he never did.

Claudia Turnbull Stanley, Windham

Tribute to my uncle, James Lee:

Jim served in the China, Burma, India theater throughout most of the war. He returned home with severe bouts of maleria but eventually recovered. I remember him as a hero of my childhood and a great friend.

Thomas Moore, Chesterville, Me. 04938

Tribute to my Father, 1st Lt. Richard Lane Hazel:

Lt. Hazel entered the US Army in 1930. He served in the military until 1944, at which time he was reported as missing in action in Ling-Ling, China where he was assigned as an adviser to help train the chinese nationist soldiers. In 1945 he was officially declared deceased. Thanks Dad for your sacrifice. "and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

George Hazel, Formerly South Portland

Tribute to my Aunt, Hilda Tozier Foote:

Although the last time I met her, I was about 5 or 6 years old, I will never forget her. She always remembered her nieces on their birthdays and holidays. The most special gift she sent was a gold cap pistol and spurs from Texas.

Rose Bragdon, Sherman

Tribute to my Friend, Curt West:

Best soldier on a PT boat.

Mr. West,

Tribute to my Grandfather, Harry Taggett:

Served in the United States Army during WWII in Company C 19th Infantry and was present during the December 7, 1942 attack on Pearl Harbor. He also was engaged in active duty in New Guina, Southern Phiilipines, and other locations in the Central Pacific. Served 39 months of combat with no break. I wish he would of recieved as much honorble recognition as he deserves.

Nichol Soucy, Caribou, Maine

Tribute to my Friend, Earl Eustis, Jr.:

A great husband, father, friend and man. Rest in peace.

Mike Durrell, Temple, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Shannon Edwin Swan:

My father was such a strong, patriotic American that he lived it every day of his short life. He taught me the importance of FEELING patriotic. For that I will be forever grateful. He died at age 42 from cancer that he always claimed to have gotten during the war, yet never stopping from loving his country! He was a Naval Fighter Pilot.

Ernestine Kathy (Swan) Sprague, Bath, Maine

Tribute to my wife for 63 years, Alvin Clark Wagner:

I wish to honor my husband, Alvin Clark Wagner, who at 18 went to Okanawa on the USS Lauderdale APA 179 a troop transporter.

June B. Wagner, Readfield, Maine

Tribute to my Friend, Robert Gleichenhaus:

He was a Seal before there were Seals! (UDT)

Peter Gammons, Mt. Vernon, Maine

Tribute to my friend, Robert Gleichenhaus:

He Was a Seal before There Were Seal's (UDT).

Linda Gammons, Mt. Vernon, Maine

Tribute to my Father in Law, Harold J. Athearn:

Thank You Harold for the great years of Service You gave for past and current generations. Your dedication and duty in the US ARMY, unfortunately I was never given the opportunity to Thank You personaly. I thank You today as You shine above. Your Daughter in Law

Elaine Athearn, North Waterboro, Maine

Tribute to my Friend, Harry Kaklegian:

Harry Kaklegian was my father's friend and ours. We remember him as a good man, as a Navy Veteran and as a Clerk for Maine Supreme Court.

Anita DiCrecchio, Scarborough, Maine

Tribute to my Father, John G. Caterina, Sr.:

I love you, Dad, and miss you every day! Thanks for your service to our country.

Jean-Marie Caterina, Scarborough, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Leonard R. Duane:

I am voting in honor of my father, Leonard Robert Duane, Sr., originally from East Orange, N.J. and in his later years from Palmyra. Leonard served during WWII in the Pacific Fleet on the USS Washington and with a submarine division.

Deborah Mullis, Scarborough, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Seward R. Dinsmore:

You were only 18 when the call for service came. By your example many years later your sons did the same. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

Jerry Dinsmore, Kittery, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Fred Blackman:

My father was killed in May 1945 on the island of Okinawa and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions under fire. I was three years old when he died so I never got to know him except through other people and all the wonderful stories they told about him. I have always been proud of my father for having a love for his country that moved him to leave his young wife and new son to fight for our right to be free. May all of us who love this country be as willing today, to stand against tyranny at any cost, as my Dad was.

Steve Blackman, Thomaston, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Floyd Enman:

I vote in honor and reverence of the country that my granfather fought to protect. He served in WWII, specifically in Okinawa(Japan) on Sugar Hill, he was one of the few survivors. He earned the Bronze Star for his heroic actions. Even though he is deceased, I will forever be thankful for the honor that he showed for my country. In this day, many have not seen the effects of war. I am thankful that my grandfather returned to this country unscathed in body, however, the blood that has been sacrificed by many is not in vain and their blood STILL cries out for liberty, justice and freedom for all. Thank you to those who have sacrificed their loved ones to protect our country.

Ginger Farmer, New Vineyard

Tribute to my Uncle, F. Raynald Bonin:

Thank you for your service. I am named after you. Your niece, Rayna Bonin Leibowitz.

Rayna Bonin Leibowitz, Litchfield, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Carl Edward Helstrom:

As I was growing up my father would sometimes open up about his experience in the Marine corps during the late half of the World War II. It was the defining episode in his life and it molded him into the man he became. He had an assault landing in Guam and was in China by 1946. He always told of the most hilarious stories about being in uniform. As I was growing up, my father had his medals hung up on a wall. Not one of them were for heroism or some daring-do. But they were just the standard I severed medal everyone gets. To me, those medals were greater than the Medal of Honor because my dad earned them. That is the greatest lesson that my father tried to instill in all of his children. Don?t worry about being the greatest, just get out there and serve.

Carl E Helstrom Jr, South Portland

Tribute to my father, Chester B Fish, Jr:

Thank you for serving aboard a US Navy mine sweeper, and thank you for being a great dad.

Scott K Fish, North Turner, ME

Tribute to my Husband, Henry Scherer:

To a man who served.

Roxane Scherer, Southwest Harbor

Tribute to my Father, Earl L. Wolfe:

My father was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army and with the Merchant Marines during WWII. He was proud to serve!

Sherry Andrei, Hermon, Maine

Tribute to my Cousin, John Phair:

John died when his plane disappeared when out on patrol. He was a radio man/gunner.

Robert B. Phair, Limestone, ME

Tribute to my Grandfather, Harold E. Lailer:

I honor my Grandfather who served in the army in World War II, I am so proud of him and proud to be an American because of him. He was a man of few words, and was a hardened man, but it's even harder to imagine what it would have been like to walk in his shoes. He was a true New Englander, a hard worker and so resourceful and self-sustaining. He would and could provide for his humble family. What an amazing man! He carried on his shoulders, more weight, than most men can bear today. I'm proud to be his grand-daughter.

Amy Valente, Westbrook

Tribute to my Father, John R. Lewis:

My Dad served in the U.S. Army during World War II from February 23, 1943 to April 24, 1946 as a PFC in the 464th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Auto-Weapons Battalion during the China-Burma-India Campaign. To my Dad, my Hero I miss you and love you - you are always in my heart. Thank you, Dad for your Military Service and Sacrifice for our freedoms. God Bless You.

Joy Asuncion, Belfast, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Keith Winchenbach:

My Dad proudly served his country. He was a country boy-who had his eyes opened by traveling around the world.

Cathy York, Damariscotta, Maine

Tribute to my Father-In-Law, Francis P. Wooten:

This tribute is in Honor of the Father-In-Law I never met. The father of my dear late husband.

Linda Wooten, Auburn, Maine

Tribute to my Father p, Robert Thomas Tiner Sr.:

For his service on the USS Philadelphia. And his example that led his four sons to also serve in the Armed Forces

Terry Tiner, Belgrade

Tribute to my grandfather, Ralph Nelson Carter, Sr.:

My grandfather was in the Navy and ran a machine gun on top of his destroyer in WWII and was at Pearl Harbor. Thank you for your service, Grampy!

Nikki Bachelder, Readfield

Tribute to my Father, Reginald F. Muchemore, Jr:

GSGT.Reginald F. Muchemore,Jr.USMC 2nd Battalion, 5th Amphibious of Kittery,Maine Served in the Pacific Theater WW2 Fought in several battles, Saipan, Tinian, Guadalcanal,Iwo Jima Proud Patriot, Republican, Christian Semper Fi Marine

Jeanette Egan, Old Orchard Beach