MONROE-CHARLES

BATTLE  OF  MIDWAY  VETERAN

Excerpts from article published in the Times of San Diego newspaper:

On June 2, 2019 three young U.S. Navy recruits met history in the weathered faces of veterans of the Battle of Midway aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, during a ceremony commemorating the Seventy-Seventh anniversary of the pivotal Pacific battle of World War II.  The guest speaker, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, told the guests, “The memory of this historic battle represents the pride of a generation and the soul of our Navy.  The ceremony reminds the next generation of sailors of the moral character, the personal sacrifice, selfless commitment and courage of those who came before us.”

During the ceremony the three young recruits looked into the eyes and shook hands with three veterans of the battle who were up to age 103.  With their hands raised, the duty of protecting the nation was assigned by members of the Greatest Generation to Generations Y and Z.

Charles Monroe was one of the honored veterans.  He joined the Navy in 1941 and served during the Battle of Midway with Torpedo Squadron Eight as a radioman/turret gunner in an Avenger torpedo bomber.  Speaking to the recruits he was asked about his most challenging Navy experience and he replied, “One Jap Zero was above.  I looked back up and pulled my gun up to try and shoot him and the turret stopped working and the gun stopped working, so I prayed.  I wasn't a Christian, but I prayed and said, 'Lord get me out of this mess and I'll go to church,' and I kept my word.”  During the conversation Monroe added, “I’ve never been sorry for having been in the Navy.  Enjoy the Navy because being in the Navy is a good experience.”