Corpus Christi – In honor and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country there will be a Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony aboard Lexington on Memorial Day.
We are honored to have Congressman Blake Farenthold as our guest speaker. On the House Floor on May 24th Congressman Farenthold recognized the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Coral Sea and acknowledged the heroism of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Junior Grade William E. Hall. He will present a plaque to Lexington and LT Hall’s daughter, Gwen Hall with the transcript of his speech.
7-8 May 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea – Lieutenant Junior Grade William E. Hall was aboard USS Lexington CV-2 serving as a scout plane pilot with Scouting Squadron 2 flying the SBD Dauntless. On 7 May over the Coral Sea he dive bombed a Japanese aircraft carrier, contributing greatly to its destruction. The next day, he attacked a superior number of Japanese planes and shot down three. Although his aircraft was damaged and he was seriously wounded in this attack, he managed to land safely. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor that is currently on display aboard Lexington.
The SBD Dauntless located at the entrance to USS Lexington has been renovated in the paint scheme of Squadron 2 in honor of all pilots that flew this dive bomber during World War II.
Immediately following the ceremony Boy Scout Troop 6 from Brownsville, Texas will conduct a flag retirement ceremony on the Flight Deck. The public is invited to bring flags for this special ceremony.
WHAT: Memorial Day Commemorations
WHERE: USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
WHEN: Monday, 29 May 2017 – 2:00 PM
For More Information Contact:
Debbie Crites, Marketing Director
361. 888. 4873 Ext. 307
