"All we have of freedom -- all we use or know -- This our fathers bought for us, long and long ago." Rudyard Kipling
Most of these men were just barely out of boyhood when they died - 17, 18, 19, 20 years old ... college age. They were likely excited about life and war and the prospect of beating back the enemy when they climbed Wasp's gangplank that last time. They'd left their families and friends, their girls, wives, sisters and brothers, and some left children. They went aboard because that was really all they could do at the time. Some wanted to go, but many would probably have rather stayed home with their loved ones. They went anyway and they served.
And they died.
They are now memories in the minds of their families, shipmates, and a few historians. We'd like them to be memories in your mind too. Remember these fellows and all those who died defending our way of life. We owe them a debt.
We can't give them back their youth, their families, or their lives. but we can give them a minute of thanks and piece of our hearts ...
.. . this (list) ended with:
This list was originally compiled by shipmate Jim King for a memorial service honoring Wasp crew members who made "the supreme sacrifice" during World War II. The memorial service was held at the Naval Station in Everett, Washington, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the War.
"The list of men, ships company, who died in the line of duty aboard the Wasp was taken from the blue book issued during WWII. Our very first casualty was Alfred J. Bridges, other men who died were K.I.A. (killed in action) on March 19, 1945, at about 07:10 a.m., when we were hit by a 500 pound bomb.
The list I prepared for the memorial service at the Reunion in Everett, came from several sources, I reviewed Wasp bulletins, Wasp Spirit newsletters, Wasp Blue Book, Air Group 14, 81 and 86 year books, personal telephone conversations and letters to many crew members, pilots, and airmen before compiling the lists and putting information into book form for the reunion."
Jim King, USS Wasp, 1943 - 1946
"I can still remember the MM Lyons sunbathing, almost totally covered with tattoos, one large Lion Head on his chest. I was their age then .. . . I communicated with a Canberra (CA70) survivor - I saw the fish dropped (it was intended for Wasp), went by our fantail 100 feet and hit Canberra, these things kinda get you to thinking!!"
Curtis Grant, USS Wasp, 1944
Visit our memorial page commemorating CV-18 pilots and airmen who also gave their lives to preserve the freedom enjoyed by us all.
Maybe you are interested in a couple of photos of the Aircraft Carrier Memorial in San Diego, California.
