Memorial Day

Memorial Day is not only a day for us to remember our soldiers but it also a day to remember those close to us that we have lost. Not an all inclusive list of remembrance but I would definitely like to remember Grandpa Goldy, Grandma Nanny, Dad, 14 year-old cousin Debbie; My Aunts Augusta, Emily, Nola, Ella, Clara; and all the relatives and friends that have touched me life. Who is on your remembrance list?

On to another subject. What percentage of income do you think that people that make less than $13K a year spend on the lottery? My guess was off, read the whys and wherefores here:

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/05/31/poor-people-spend-9-of-income-on-lottery-tickets-heres-why/

That is all today. Tell me how you are celebrating and who you are remembering. Inquiring minds want to know. And tell me if the lottery article surprises you.

WHO AM I?

I am one of the least well-known people ever featured in the Who Am I's but I am something the others weren't. Bill's mother is my first cousin and his brother's first name is the same as my middle name. He was named after me. I am one of less than five hundred soldiers to win both the Navy Cross and The Silver Star. I was mentioned in the book and movie "They Were Expendable" and am buried in Arlington. A PT Boat that was harbored for years in the Long Beach, California harbor was named after me. I was born August 20, 1915 to Arthur and Sarah. I attended a State College before entering the Naval Academy. After graduating at Annapolis I entered active service in 1937. Before the war started in 1939 I married Helen Ris at Stanford University. I was sent overseas in August of 1941. On January 30, 1942, the Lead Daily Call reported, “I, a lieutenant junior grade, from Springfield, S.D., returned with ten naval men from a perilous mission behind the Japanese lines on the Bataan peninsula on the night of January 18, accomplished our mission and then found ourselves faced with the job of returning individually to our base.” The article goes on to say that while trying to get back to base, I encountered a native with a bayoneted rifle. After a moment of startled silence, the native spoke first, saying, “Hello, Joe,” Which were the sweetest words I ever heard. On September 25, 1947, the Navy Department wrote to my wife and the letter said, in part:

It is with deepest regret you are now informed that information has been
received showing that your husband was killed in the garden of Lie Boen
Yat, Saris Manado, the Celebes on 2 July 1942. According to evidence
received … your husband, together with a fellow officer, was attempting
to escape from Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands, in a native boat. They
were captured on the Island of Bangka, North Celebes, and were taken by
the Japanese to Manado, where they were executed and buried in a common

When I was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, this is the official announcement:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant of the United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat THIRTY-ONE (PT-31), (Code Name Trabejdor), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), in action against the enemy from 25 February 1942 through 10 April 1942, in the Philippine Islands. While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Lieutenant directed the anti-aircraft battery of his ship and conducted operations of strategic importance in the Manila Bay area involving hazardous missions such as to bring great credit to his command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Action Date: February 25 - April 10, 1942 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant. Company: Commanding Officer. Regiment: Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3). Division: Motor Torpedo Boat 31 (PT-31).

When I was posthumously awarded the Silver Star , this is the official announcement:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant (NSN: 0-27903), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat THIRTY-ONE (PT-31),(Code Name Trabejdor), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), in action against the enemy while participating in a raid on 20 January 1942, in the Philippine Islands. Having grounded in Subic Bay as a result of engine failure due to gasoline sabotage, Lieutenant directed the transportation of his crew by night, through reef-studded water to the enemy shore, then, to prevent his vessel from falling into enemy hands, he destroyed the boat and torpedoes aboard and swam ashore. He and his party, armed only with three .45-caliber pistols, proceeded to a village, avoiding the enemy offensive against that village, and with Japanese soldiers within 200 yards of the beach, embarked in two bancas and made good their escape. When the bancas capsized in heavy seas and wind, with the men exhausted, Lieutenant by his capable leadership, righted the bancas and so encouraged his men that without the aid of paddles or sails and by the use of boards alone, they continued to a point where they disembarked safely. Lieutenant's gallant actions and intrepid leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943.) Action Date: 20-Jan-42 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3) Division: Motor Torpedo Boat 31 (PT-31). Who Am I?