Remembering two important World War 2 events

[Kinch]

Last surviving 'Rosie the Riveters' honored by WWII Museum on D-Day Anniversary: 'We can do it'

More than 30 surviving "Rosie the Riveters" gathered at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans to receive the 2026 American Spirit Award on D-Day.

www.foxnews.com

 

[Kinch]

On June 10, 1942, just three days after Midway, Admiral King suggested Tulagi as America’s First offensive of the war. And it was near Guadacanal, which was the turning point of the Asia-Pacific War. It wouldn’t have been possible without the victories at Coral Sea and Midway. Midway allowed the U.S. to seize the initiative.

 

[Kinch]

George Gay was the sole survivor of Torpedo 8. He survived after his plane was shot down near one of the Japanese carriers. He was rescued several days later. He claims to have witnessed three of the carriers attacked by American dive bombers. He told his story to Nimitz. He became a national celebrity and Roosevelt had him brought back to the U.S. to help gin up publicity for the war effort and improve morale. He was on the cover of Life Magazine.

 

[Kinch]

The man who deserves a lot of the credit for the victory at Midway was Joe Rochefort. He worked in Naval Intelligence and determined that the Japanese were planning an invasion in the Central Pacific at Midway. He told Nimitz what day and where and when we would first spot them. He was exactly right. However, officers in D.C. and the Redman brothers were jealous and transferred him out after the battle. Nimitz nominated Rochefort for Medal of Honor, but he was denied. One of the biggest injustices of the war. President Reagan presented Rochefort’s son with a Distinguished Medal in 1986.

https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history/2026/june/justice-joe-rochefort

 

[Kinch]

Teddy Rooservelt’s son received a Medal of Honor and with a cane, directed his troops at Omaha Beach.

 

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[NWICY]

Thank you to all who contributed to this thread it is really interesting.

 

[Kinch]

Nimitz said this was a command decision that had decisvive results at Midway.