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7 August 2022
From: Ed Fox
Missouri
BOM vet, 6th MarDefBn, Midway

Good evening, Ron:

Hope you are in good health and staying active....that's the key, trying to stay active.

After returning from the 80th, I came down with minor Covid-19 symptoms. Fortunately, I had had all my vaccine and boosters, so I was not too worried with exception of staying isolated for 5 days.

[During the 80th anniversary], the days on Midway and the ceremonies in the Punch Bowl were very emotional for both Julian Hodges, Yorktown survivor, myself, and the public present. I do not think any other event could have surpassed the outpouring of appreciation for the veterans of both Dec. 7th and Battle of Midway. I consider myself very lucky.
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12 August 2022

Reflections on the 80th anniversary of the BOM:

Ron, I have been privileged to be invited back to Midway often. 2012 was my first return, since then several more.

This 80th anniversary I was escorted from my front door by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Rebecca G. Chuck beginning on 1 June. I was not aware at the beginning, I was to fly first class round trip, arranged by the Friends of Midway Atoll, a Helen Dunlap contribution in honor of her husband Frank Dunlap, stationed on Midway 4 June 1942. All the bumps and hiccups in-flight to and return were deep-sixed by Rebecca. She ran front guard 24/7.

Upon arrival in Honolulu, a prearranged chauffeur greeted us, whisking us off to the Ala Moana where reservations awaited us. One day was spent for preparation to Signature Air Terminal. Upon arrival at Signature, all nine of us began the familiar [Covid] nose testing before flight.

Our flight was in a Falcon 500, cruising around 380 at near 40,000. The pilot, prior Army; the co-ditto a young lady. One lands at night on Midway without lights; tiny red LEDs the length of the runway on each side.

On the fourth of June, a ceremony was held at the Memorial where the entire island population (40?) approached the Memorial to cast a flower at the base. I was able to render my appreciation to the men that made it possible for me to be there that day.

I met so many FWS personnel that are dedicated to guarding our BOM Monument besides their own responsible duties. I was in trouble rendering my thanks—there were many tugs at the heart as we departed Sand Island.

Back to Honolulu in this executive jet (jokingly, “The Plush Red Eye”), to the Ala Moana to prepare for the ceremony in the Punch Bowl on the 7th.

Both Julian and I were taken aback by the preparations that we were to be part of. I am not literate enough to place on paper how I was feeling during this service, especially during the soloist singing, “The Last Full Measure of Devotion.” A month prior to this event I was privileged to be asked by FWS Miss Amanda Boyd, Deputy Director of Papahanaumokuakea Marine Wildlife Refuge, if I had an idea/contribution for the ceremony. I did mention I often used “The Last full Measure of Devotion” in my school presentations here in Springfield.

I was incredibly surprised to see that song in the itinerary for the service that day, thanks to Amanda. During the rendition Julian and I were so moved, we clasped hands. There were many reaching for Kleenex.

The children’s choir gathered around Julian and me. A young handicapped girl from the choir came up to us—Miss Thill, in a wheelchair pushed by a choir member. Miss Thill had a relative involved in the Battle of Midway. Her mother and teacher had assisted her with a poem that she read to me. The 3-star Marine next to me gripped my shoulder when she asked if she could hold my hand for a minute.

How can you express your feelings, when you know you are one of the lucky ones that returned at the cost of so many that covered your back? I try to tell the kids in school what they did and why.

There were several Navy functions where we were piped on board. If Rebecca was not on by my side, an admiral or general was. There was a restricted area Pearl Harbor tour for us to the BB Utah and a ceremony on board the Missouri.

Final night at the Pacific Air Museum with a grand reception for Julian and me, or actually for the guys that made it possible for us to represent them.

I was returned to my Springfield, Missouri quarters on June 9th, feeling humbled that I was given this privilege by so many participants, sponsored by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service.

Semper Fi
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4 September 2022
From: Dennis Rodenburg
Nevada

My dad, SBD pilot Eldor Rodenburg, flew wing on Dusty Kleiss at Midway on June 4th and the Tanikazi attack the next night. He talked about the war to me a lot over the years.

Dad came out of his last combat tour in November 1944 with 9 battle stars, so had considerable firsthand experience to tell me about. He always thought Halsey to be reckless, over-aggressive and was thankful Spruance was in charge at Midway. He told me, “If it had been Halsey, they’d all be dead.”

I think Dad formed his opinion after so many pilots were lost from his air group during his 8-month war tour on the Bunker Hill [CV-17]. He got to know all of them. Another favorite comment from Dad was that the F4F was only designed to fly around the carriers to protect the admirals. He was very happy when the F6F appeared. He also said the admirals eventually got smart and made their flagship on battleships instead of a dangerous carrier. He liked to say they would sit under 16 inches of armor and yell, “Go get ’em.”

Dad spent 3 weeks with VB-6 on Guadalcanal during the “October Crisis.” He did agree that Halsey, with his “buddies” Scott, and Callaghan, turned the tide in that one.

My hindsight opinion is that all the Midway torpedoes should have been thrown overboard and the TBDs loaded with bombs for the possible Midway invasion defense.

I consider Dad authorized to have his opinions since he was there. His DFC hangs on my office wall.
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