Page 96 - Family History

Family Stories

After picking up the survivor we went back to the ships, and were hoisted aboard

at 1320 (1:20pm). Naturally, Doc had to restore our nerves with an excellent

rye tonic.

Captain Keliher wanted to give Backie the Bronze Star and recommended him for

it. The flag, however, informed us that the Bronze Star was not awarded for

flight operations, and so Admiral Mitscher awarded Backie the Air Medal.

The ceremony took place back aft on the Indiana on June 23 when we were

anchored in San Pedro Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands. A picture was given to

Backie of the ceremony and you should receive it with his other pictures.

I’m enclosing a free hand map from memory giving the route we flew and also

showing where Backie spotted for the Okinawa bombardment of March 23, 1945.

I’m going east now but I’d sure like to keep in touch with you and David Scott.

I’ll be in Chicago but you can write me at – 535 Avery St. Decatur, Georgia. I

want my wife and baby to meet you.

Sincerely

Raymond Stanley

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