Saturday, October 17, 2009

Dead Page-- Pearl Harbor-- Code Talker

Two of the many World War II veterans whon have died recently.

ARTHUR ZACCARIA, born Oct.15, 1921

Mr. Zaccaria was at Schofield Army Barracks Dec. 7, 1941, and fired a machine gun at a Japanese plane flying so close he could see the pilot's face.

His death leaves just five active members of the Long Island Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Sadly, he was scheduled to go on the flight to the World War II Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, two days after his death.


WILLARD VARNELL OLIVER, 88

A Navajo Code Talker, one of the native Americans who transmitted messages in their native language. He had been in declining health the last two years.

Code Talkers were along with every Marine assault in the Pacific. Their work was highly classified with nothing released about them until 1968. He is the fifth Code Talker to die since May.

Mr. Oliver served in the 2nd Marine Division and was wounded at the Battle of Saipan.

The Greatest Generation

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