Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day...then conquer we must, when our cause it is just and this be our motto: "In God is our trust".

Today we honor those who have served our country protecting our Freedoms, and
especially to those who have passed to the other side. All six of the “Fish Boys” served in the military. Shown here L-R is Dan Fish, U.S. Navy, Howard Fish, U.S. Marines and Jerry Fish, U.S. Marines. All served in World War II. Dan served on a ship near the Island of Saipan. Howard served in Northern China. All saw action and all received medals. More is known about Jerry who came home to Eureka after the war. He received every medal there was to receive except the Congessional Medal of Honor. He was to receive that metal, but it required more witnesses than were available. Jerry was in the Marines, and was taken prisoner on Corregidor in the Philppines. From there he was taken to a death camp in Manilla for a little over a year. He was then shipped to Japan in an unmarked boat, the Japanese were hoping the US would sink it. Many Red Cross ships were sunk during the war, because they were not marked. It was so crowded on the ship that they had to stand and could not lie down. He was then taken to Northern Japan where he was imprisoned. He suffered from the extreme cold, hunger, and cruel treatment. He was forced to work in the copper mines where he experienced a cave in and had his arm broken. He had to set it himself and continued working. He was there 3 years until the end of WW II. He was 6 ft. tall and 180 lbs when he inlisted in the Marines, at discharge he was 5'8" and 87 lbs.
The younger brothers, Frank, Dick and Lynn all served in the Air Force.

2 comments:

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

wow, i haven't ever heard that story....what sacrifices were made in our behalf. we are so blessed.

Amanda said...

wow. I love hearing about the brave men in our family!!! I didnt know we had so many that served.