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Samuel Vanderburg's avatar

Recognizing the risk and sealing his own fate, Vandiver pressed on to attack in a desperate effort to hit the Japanese task force hard. It was a high price. At least they had the satisfaction of a job well done. What a tremendous man. What a tremendous generation. Thank you , Tara Ross, for keeping these wonderful people in our memories. We cannot afford to forget.

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Wally Firkins's avatar

Ltjg Norman Francis Vandiver lost his life during the battle of Midway. This brave young man was a member of the Greatest Generation and, he along with my father and so many others, served to keep our freedom and independence. Mr. Vandiver was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extreme bravery and for continuing his mission beyond the point of no return.

God bless Norman Vandiver and God bless all who serve or have served this great nation. Thank you Tara for remembering the sacrifice of our brave men and women who serve so that we can enjoy our peace and freedom.

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Mark E Johnson's avatar

The story of that battle continues on as a lesson in the fighting spirit of our military. Self sacrifice to win the day is part and parcel of the American way.

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David K Thiel's avatar

"Never heard from again." Thanks to historians like Tara Ross, we hear - we remember.

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Robert C Culwell's avatar

SEMPER FORTIS!

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Phil Smith's avatar

My father, in th USAAAC, was in Orlando, Fl, teaching calculus to soon-to-be Air Corps navigators.

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

We could be speaking Japanese or German, and not by choice!

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Patty's avatar

Amazing courage! Knowing the risk he was taking, but determined to finish the job. It cost him his life. We’ve lost so many. The greatest generation led to the way for many others to follow. Grateful for the greatest generation!

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James M Airesman's avatar

Thank you, Tara.

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joeasaunders's avatar

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Navy Cross for Brave actions

Thank you Tara

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John Rowe's avatar

Not to take away from the bravery of this man and his generation, but there were a LOT of Navy Crosses awarded to Midway fliers.

There was a large morale (service member and home front) element to these decisions after such a dark period of the war.

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Jack Miller's avatar

Surely speaking a language other than English. The Greatest Generation is to be celebrated and admired as we try to be like them every day.

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glenna.p's avatar

Thank you, Tara, for sharing this account of a brave man who did what he knew to do no matter the consequences. So many gave so much, at times the ultimate sacrifice. God bless them all!

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