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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| Today in History: Midway |
| 2007-06-04 |
| "Just a word to let you know that I feel we are ready. We have had a very short time to train and we have worked under the most severe difficulties. But we have truly done the best humanly possible. I actually believe that under these conditions we are the best in the world. My greatest hope is that we will encounter a favorable tactical situation, but if we don’t, and the worst comes to worst, I want each of us to do his utmost to destroy our enemies. If there is only one plane left to make a final run in, I want that man to go in and get a hit. May God be with all of us. Good luck, happy landings and GIVE ‘EM HELL." --Commander John C. Waldron, Torpedo Squadron 8, USS Hornet, June 4, 1942. |
| Posted by:Mike |
| #3 We still have men like Waldron in our military, and it's a darned good thing, too. We'll quite likely need them here at home soon. |
| Posted by: Mac 2007-06-04 18:47 |
| #2 And remember the price: "Japanese carrier-based planes were reported headed for Midway the early morning of 4 June 1942. Hornet, York-town, and Enterprise launched strikes as the Japanese carriers struck their planes below to prepare for a second strike on Midway. Hornet dive bombers missed contact, but 15 planes comprising her Torpedo Squadron 8 found the enemy and pressed home their attacks. They were met by overwhelming fighter opposition about 8 miles from three enemy carriers and followed all the way in to be shot down one by one. Ens. George H. Gay, USNR, the only surviving pilot, reached the surface as his plane sank. He hid under a rubber seat cushion to avoid strafing and witness the greatest carrier battle in history." |
| Posted by: Steve White 2007-06-04 11:33 |
| #1 Scratch four flattops! |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2007-06-04 11:25 |