USTRANSCOM hosts Battle of Midway observance

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – The U.S. Transportation Command hosted a Battle of Midway observance June 5 to commemorate the World War II confrontation which changed the war’s direction in favor of the United States and the Allies.

USTRANSCOM color guard posted the colors to open the ceremony. Navy Capt. Daryl Hancock provided opening remarks. He reminded the crowd of the remarkable work by the U.S. intelligence community which broke the Japanese code and helped the U.S. Navy surprise the Japanese Navy.

Hancock also discussed the tremendous sacrifice made by the sailors during the battle and personally thank and presented a letter of appreciation to battle of Midway veteran retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer Frank “Billy” Boo.

The Battle of Midway, fought in the Pacific Theater June 4-7, 1942, was a key battle of World War II.  During the battle, the U.S. Navy defeated the Japanese and destroyed four aircraft carriers, a heavy cruiser, 291 aircraft and an estimated 4,800 personnel. The United States lost a carrier, a destroyer, 145 aircraft and 307 personnel.

Although the Battle of Midway did not destroy Japanese naval aviation, it did tremendous damage and has been called “the turning point of the Pacific.”

After the observance the USTRANSCOM Navy element promoted three sailors. Thomas Krueger and Donald Wells were promoted to petty officer first class and Benjamin Norris was promoted to petty officer third class.

Hancock said in closing “Honoring Boo and his shipmates on this anniversary was a very fitting and appropriate way to celebrate the promotion of our new Petty Officers and future Navy leaders”.

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