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Battle of Midway 70th Anniversary Commemorated
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Capt. Randall Lynch and Admiral Mack C. Gaston.
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The morning's program included a wreath laying at the Battle of Midway exhibit in Concourse A by Admiral Mack C. Gaston and Captain Randall Lynch, Commanding Officer, Naval Station Great Lakes; music by the Navy Band Great Lakes and remarks by Master of Ceremonies Commander Robert Sullivan, Executive Officer, Naval Station Great Lakes; CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino; Captain Randall Lynch and Battle of Midway Navy Veterans Captain Grant C. "Jack" Young and Mr. Jack Coombe.
Captain Lynch provided a detailed recap of the Battle of Midway that took place between June 4-7,1942. WWII Veterans Captain Young and Mr. Coombe provided their own personal accounts of the battle. Commissioner Andolino expressed heartfelt thanks to the veterans and active military for their service to the country.
Three other World War II veterans who served in the Pacific Theatre were also onstage for the event: Mr. Thomas Tobin, Mr. Emanuel "Manny" Bud and Captain Chuck Downey.
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Cmdr. Robert Sullivan and CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino
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The City of Chicago and its airports have a long and proud tradition of honoring military personnel, and historically have played important roles in past war efforts.
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Battle of Midway exhibit at Midway International Airport.
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Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Midway Airport, which at the time was called Chicago Municipal Airport, joined the war effort due to its mid-continental position and long runways. The runways accommodated arrivals of the largest aircraft of the time, including the B-17 "Flying Fortress" - a heavy four-engine, high-flying, long-range bomber plane.
The airport was re-named Chicago Midway Airport in 1949 to commemorate the heroes of the Battle of Midway and World War II veterans.
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Admiral Gaston; Jack Coombe; Capt. Lynch; Commissioner Andolino; Capt. Young; Capt. Downey and Ald. Zalewski.
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Cmdr. Robert Sullivan and Capt. Randall Lynch
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