Battle of Midway 68th Commemoration

The  June 4-7, 1942 Battle of Midway marked the turning point toward victory for the U.S. and its Allies in World War II.  On June 2, 2010 two American veterans returned to Midway to attend the 68th commemoration of this important battle.   The left picture shows Sargent Paul Crook in the red hat and blue shirt.  He was on Midway's Eastern Island during the battle.  Sargent Crook recounted his memory of the night following the first day of battle.  He and all the men had orders to dig deep holes in the sand for themselves.  They were told to take their guns with them and be prepared for a night-time battle.  Meanwhile, Lieutenant George Bernstein (dark blue hat, far right) was stationed on the Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet offshore from Midway.   

Among the Japanese veterans attending the commemoration were Mr. Kaname Harada (seated at the far left) and next to him, Mr. Jiro Yoshida.  These two men piloted Japanese airplanes called Zeroes during World War II.  Mr. Harada actually flew his Zero at the Battle of Midway, shooting down several American planes.

Both American and Japanese veterans of the Battle of Midway, men who fought against each other 68 years ago, sat down together to honor the young men who gave their lives on both sides of the battle.  At the end of the day of remembrance, flowers were on display at both the American (below, left) and Japanese memorials on Midway's Sand Island.