The Waterline May 31, 2012
Vol. XXIX No.22
www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw
www.facebook.com/NavDistWash
waterline@dcmilitary.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
BATTLE OF MIDWAY: The Turning Point By Tracey Gold Bennett, Naval District Washington Public Affairs "Rock 'em and sock 'em and don't lose your shirt," is how Naval District Washington Historic and Heritage Command historian Robert Cressman characterizes tactics of service-members who fought and defeated the Japanese in the Battle of Midway June 4-7 1942. The United States military obliterated Japan's naval strength during what would be touted one of the most decisive battles in naval warfare history. But what were the key elements that led to the historic success at Midway? "Intelligence, competent commanders, the decision to take a risk and the willingness to give subordinates the freedom to fight," said Cressman. Prior to the Battle of Midway, Japan had been successful in the spread of imperialism capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific. The Battle of Midway was the turning point shifting momentum to the United States. Midway, a naval base and refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights located in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the way from Honolulu toTokyo, was a significant strategic target. "If the Japanese
could capture Midway then they could attack Hawaii anytime," Cressman said. The Japanese planned to capture Midway to lure the U.S. carriers that had roamed unimpeded between February and April, into decisive battle and destroy them. The object was to destroy what the Japanese considered its most dangerous element, its carriers. But the Americans were waiting. They had gotten wind of the plan, thanks to cryptologists who broke the Japanese code. "We were at a disadvantage because they had more carriers than us but we found them before they found us," said Retired Navy Capt. John W. Crawford who received the deciphered message from cryptologists while onboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The message revealed the bearings and location of the Japanese fleet. "It was miraculous. Our intelligence solved the problem and predicted time of arrival and distance of the Japanese fleet," Crawford said. "I was astonished." Retired Marine Corps Maj. Albert Grasselli, a Pearl Harbor survivor was a member of Marine Air Group 21 (stationed at Ewa Marine Air apU.S. Navy photo proximately 15 miles west of Pearl Ensign George Gay (right), sole survivor of VT-8 at Midway, standing beside his TBD DevasHarbor) during the Battle of Midway.
See Midway, Page 6
Military Moves Did You Know?
An alternate receiving agent should be named on the DD-Form 1299 to avoid any delays.
What does this mean to you?
If an alternate receiving agent is not listed, or if a Power Of Attorney is not in possession, the carrier could refuse pickup and/or delivery of the household goods until the member is contacted.You as the service member could incur excess cost. Please contact yourTransportation Officer for additional information or visit your nearest Personal Property Processing Office or Transportation Management Office at your location for assistance; or you can contact our office at the following website for assistance and guidance: http://www.belvoir.army.mil/jppsowa
tator on June 4, 1942 before the Battle of Midway. The other crewman pictured is one of his rear gunners.
Staten Island Pearl Harbor Survivor Visits Fleet Week By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patrick Gordon, Fleet Week New York 2012 Public Affairs The last known Staten Island resident survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack visited Fleet Week New York 2012 at the The Sullivans Pier, May 27. Former Chief Boatswain's Mate Alf Kongslie and three generations of his family visited Fleet Week and were treated to a tour of the pier and USS San Jacinto (CG-56) as a small token of their gratitude for
his service. Seventy-one years ago, Kongslie was a crewmember aboard USS Saint Louis (CL-49) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Kongslie thought his Sunday routine began like any other. "I saw guys going across the harbor in a liberty boat," Kongslie, 91, said. "I figured they were going to church.Then I saw them jumping off into the water. I didn't know what was going on."
Inside Link directly to the NDW Facebook page on your smart phone
Around the Yard, Page 2
Book Review, Page 6
See Harbor, Page 8