Battle of Midway Veterans Honored - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

The Battle of Midway is regarded as one of the most crucial US victories of World War II. 70 years later we remember those who put their lives on the line for our freedom.

The sights and sounds from the Battle of Midway will forever be imprinted on the minds of James Giles and Dr. Julian Hodges---Navy veterans from the historic battle. 70 years ago, these two men put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.

"We left Pearl Harbor and up to Midway and on the 4th there were continued air attacks all day and I got shot in the right arm." Giles says.

On June 4, 1942, Japanese aircraft carriers descended upon the out numbered U.S. Pacific fleet; among them was the U.S.S. Yorktown. "We were in the ballroom when all the power went out and we didn't get any word down there. When we finally did get out, the water was full of bodies." Hodges says.

Despite the obstacles that presented themselves, Hodges and his crew overcame them with determination. "Although I was injured and in sick bay, they came on the loudspeaker on the ship looking for volunteers to go back to the Yorktown because they thought they could salvage it, and I said, sign me up!"

At Wednesday's commemorative ceremony, it was that same spirit that was revered. "We see that and we say hey, they've been through a whole lot that we could not even imagine." MNC Gilbert Blanco says.

Giles and Hodges were recognized for their courageous acts. "To be here today and to recognize them and actually see them in person, it's a great honor." Blanco added.

If you asked these two American heroes to do it all over again, they'd say..."in a heart beat."…."the military life has been a good life."

June 6^th also marks another important day in history---more than six decades ago, 160,000 troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, also known as D-Day.