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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Memorial Day
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As we get set to gather with our loved ones to open the Summer season, let me wish each and everyone a safe and joyous Holiday. To those PT BOAT VETERANS who did not make it home, my thanks to you for your supreme sacrifice. Your death, although tragic, helped pave the way for victory in WWII. Young, and full of life, you never got the chance to come home, raise a family, have grandchildren, and enjoy what Freedoms we have today. We honor your memory on Monday, with Flags, Services, and parades. We hope that as you look down from Heaven, you will know that you served your Country with Pride and Honor in the United Staes Mosquito Fleet.





Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: May 23, 2008 - 8:55am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



On this Memorial Day I would like to remember and pay respect to three crew members of PT-154 who were killed in action on November 13/14, 1943 off the Shortland Islands, Bougainville.

top to bottom:
Lt. jg. Joseph McLaughlin (Boston, Massachusetts) ExO
Arnold Beckett (Craig, Colorado) TM
Arthur Schwerdt (Hollis, Queens, New York) QM1c

[image] http://www.valinet.com/~natsmith/PT/Joseph-Arnold-Arthur.jpg [/image]

natsmith

Posted By: Nathaniel Smith | Posted on: May 25, 2008 - 5:38am
Total Posts: 211 | Joined: Jan 19, 2008 - 6:55am



...LEST WE FORGET...

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: May 25, 2008 - 7:48am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm



Well said indeed. My wife, two children and I went to Arlington National Cemetery today. It is a special place anytime, all the more so today with so many coming to pay tribute to the fallen from wars across our nation's history. God Bless.

ALEX



Posted By: Alex Johnson | Posted on: May 25, 2008 - 1:52pm
Total Posts: 70 | Joined: Mar 2, 2007 - 12:07pm



Someone, earlier on this message board, told you Frank that you have the "soul of a poet." I totally agree.

I think about these men who served with my grandfather and were killed; one was loading a cannon to provide covering fire and protect a PT that was in danger of being completely annihilated. Another was on another boat, patrolling next to Pop's boat when they came under heavy, accurate fire. In the very brief engagement, he was killed.

It could have easily been my grandfather; I wouldn't be here if it had been. The men we memorialize every May paid the ultimate price so that the rest of us can live and do as we please in peace and comfort. It seems so small to say in exchange for the sacrifice, but thank you.

I am always reminded of Abraham Lincoln's words at Gettysburg..."that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain..."

Grandson of James J Stanton
RON 15 PT 209 and RON 23 PT 243
Check out: www.pistolpackinmama.net


Posted By: newsnerd99 | Posted on: May 25, 2008 - 3:29pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered