The Battle of Midway 2018

Sgt. Edgar Fox Battle of Midway Survivor

It was 76 years ago today that the Japanese attacked Midway Island in the beginning of what will be known as the Battle of Midway, decidedly the most decisive battle of World War II, turning the tide of the Pacific war. The battle effectively disabled the ability of the Japanese Navy to attack the west coast. This allowed the US military to concentrate more resources toward the European theater.

Please remember history. Please remember those who fought and died to win the battles that assured victory of the allied forces during World War II today.

These are photos from the 70th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony at Midway Island in 2012.

Gooney Bird Monument

The Missing Gooney Bird

Gooney Bird Monument – 1972

The year was 1972 and Midway Island had just created the Battle of Midway Memorial Park. The park displayed a panoramic mural depicting the battle, two huge guns that were once stationed at emplacements built to defend the island against a Japanese attack during World War II and several memorial plaques commemorating  the historical significance of the island and to the men who died fighting to defend it. But the centerpiece would end up being a 11-foot tall “Mahogany Albatross”, a wooden gooney bird called by many the “Giant Gooney”.

Continue reading “Gooney Bird Monument”