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Flagg · 04-09-2017, 07:59

I've met a bunch of CMOH and VC recipients at different times over beers, all a bunch of very interesting guys in their own ways.

I've met a bunch of A list politicians and celebrities by simply being at the right/wrong place at the time.

But the person who stands out the most is one I haven't thought of in probably 20 years, certainly not since I joined up.

Ensign George Gay.

The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 at the Battle of Midway.

I was only about 7-8 years old at the time at an annual air show with both Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. I think that was the only Year both teams flew at the same show. Incredibly exciting as a kid who was always going full retard on aviation.

I had not only just watched the movie Midway, but I had read everything I possibly could about the battle and I knew about Ensign Gay having a front row seat to the destruction of the Japanese carrier fleet.

Ensign Gay was sitting mostly by himself without many folks around, everyone else was preoccupied with the aircraft flying and ground displays.

I recall the open tent, table, chairs, and paraphernalia on the table with Ensign Gay sitting there and how he was dressed.

My family and I didn't hang around long, but Ensign Gay was very quiet spoken, he didn't really speak much at all. I just recall thinking he seemed very sad without showing it.

I haven't thought about that day for decades, but I think after having some experiences, I might now better understand what may have been going on that day.

04-09-2017, 07:59	#5
Flagg Area Commander Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,423	I've met a bunch of CMOH and VC recipients at different times over beers, all a bunch of very interesting guys in their own ways. I've met a bunch of A list politicians and celebrities by simply being at the right/wrong place at the time. But the person who stands out the most is one I haven't thought of in probably 20 years, certainly not since I joined up. Ensign George Gay. The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 at the Battle of Midway. I was only about 7-8 years old at the time at an annual air show with both Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. I think that was the only Year both teams flew at the same show. Incredibly exciting as a kid who was always going full retard on aviation. I had not only just watched the movie Midway, but I had read everything I possibly could about the battle and I knew about Ensign Gay having a front row seat to the destruction of the Japanese carrier fleet. Ensign Gay was sitting mostly by himself without many folks around, everyone else was preoccupied with the aircraft flying and ground displays. I recall the open tent, table, chairs, and paraphernalia on the table with Ensign Gay sitting there and how he was dressed. My family and I didn't hang around long, but Ensign Gay was very quiet spoken, he didn't really speak much at all. I just recall thinking he seemed very sad without showing it. I haven't thought about that day for decades, but I think after having some experiences, I might now better understand what may have been going on that day.
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