cmyr
10-28-2007, 03:32 AM
World War II veterans sought for medals
Don Schroeder of Manitowoc is looking for World War II veterans who served in the Pacific in June and July 1944 during the invasion of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan and Tinian.
Three years ago, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands issued a medallion commemorating the 60th anniversary of its freedom from the Japanese.
The Commonwealth would like to present medallions to all members of the armed services who took part in the invasion.
Schroeder served on the USS Sangamon CVE 26, an escort aircraft carrier that was part of the 5th Fleet under the command of Admiral Spruance.
"We went from the 5th Fleet to the 7th Fleet as needed and took part in the invasion of Leyte Gulf, the largest Naval battle in history, 286 warships," Schroeder said.
They also took part in the battle of Okinawa and the invasion of Guam, Saipan and Tinian in June and July 1944.
Schroeder is editor of The Sangy News, published four times a year for veterans and friends of the USS Sangamon. He said it is a clearinghouse for organization business, is a historical resource and is a means for members to exchange information.
Veterans of any branch of the armed services who served in the invasion of the Northern Mariana Islands in June and July 1944 may contact Schroeder at 3703 Dale St., Manitowoc, if they are interested in obtaining the medals. His telephone number is (920) 682-2013. His e-mail address is gerryand don@sbcglobal.net.
"My ship has reunions every year, and this year we received an e-mail from a chaplain of a DAV Post in Indiana informing us of the medallion. His father was in this invasion," Schroeder said.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457 in Saipan is handling the medallions for their government, Schroeder said. Each medallion costs about $10.
"They are not asking for money but will not turn it down if you feel you want to donate any amount," said Schroeder. The VFW Post also helps maintain a museum the members helped organize.
Schroeder has received one of the medallions. It is really impressive — 2½ inches in diameter, one-eighth inch thick with a red, white and blue neck ribbon.
On one side is the official seal of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The other side shows servicemen from the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force carrying flags. It is imprinted with the words, "Our Grateful Islands remember Tinian, Saipan, 1944-2004." A 60th anniversary overprint completes the design of the medallion.
Several years ago, Schroeder also received a medal offered to all those who took part in the liberation of the Philippine Islands.
Schroeder also showed me a brochure for the American Memorial Park, Visitor Center and WWII Exhibit Hall on Saipan.
It was built in 2005 in partnership with the Common-wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government and the National Park Service, after six years of planning and development. Exhibits include pictures, personal accounts, recordings and artifacts.
There is a small research library for visiting scholars and researchers. A 120-seat audio-visual theater lends itself for meetings, lectures, videos and presentations.
Don Schroeder of Manitowoc is looking for World War II veterans who served in the Pacific in June and July 1944 during the invasion of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan and Tinian.
Three years ago, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands issued a medallion commemorating the 60th anniversary of its freedom from the Japanese.
The Commonwealth would like to present medallions to all members of the armed services who took part in the invasion.
Schroeder served on the USS Sangamon CVE 26, an escort aircraft carrier that was part of the 5th Fleet under the command of Admiral Spruance.
"We went from the 5th Fleet to the 7th Fleet as needed and took part in the invasion of Leyte Gulf, the largest Naval battle in history, 286 warships," Schroeder said.
They also took part in the battle of Okinawa and the invasion of Guam, Saipan and Tinian in June and July 1944.
Schroeder is editor of The Sangy News, published four times a year for veterans and friends of the USS Sangamon. He said it is a clearinghouse for organization business, is a historical resource and is a means for members to exchange information.
Veterans of any branch of the armed services who served in the invasion of the Northern Mariana Islands in June and July 1944 may contact Schroeder at 3703 Dale St., Manitowoc, if they are interested in obtaining the medals. His telephone number is (920) 682-2013. His e-mail address is gerryand don@sbcglobal.net.
"My ship has reunions every year, and this year we received an e-mail from a chaplain of a DAV Post in Indiana informing us of the medallion. His father was in this invasion," Schroeder said.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457 in Saipan is handling the medallions for their government, Schroeder said. Each medallion costs about $10.
"They are not asking for money but will not turn it down if you feel you want to donate any amount," said Schroeder. The VFW Post also helps maintain a museum the members helped organize.
Schroeder has received one of the medallions. It is really impressive — 2½ inches in diameter, one-eighth inch thick with a red, white and blue neck ribbon.
On one side is the official seal of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The other side shows servicemen from the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force carrying flags. It is imprinted with the words, "Our Grateful Islands remember Tinian, Saipan, 1944-2004." A 60th anniversary overprint completes the design of the medallion.
Several years ago, Schroeder also received a medal offered to all those who took part in the liberation of the Philippine Islands.
Schroeder also showed me a brochure for the American Memorial Park, Visitor Center and WWII Exhibit Hall on Saipan.
It was built in 2005 in partnership with the Common-wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government and the National Park Service, after six years of planning and development. Exhibits include pictures, personal accounts, recordings and artifacts.
There is a small research library for visiting scholars and researchers. A 120-seat audio-visual theater lends itself for meetings, lectures, videos and presentations.