Frank's BlogApril 24, 2006: Were the watchtowers effective as a coastal defense?Today while on the beach, I met some kids who asked me and my wife about the role we played during World War II, and a lot of memories came flooding back, about what it was like during that time. I spent a lot of days and nights in my little fishing boat, chugging back and forth along the coast of Volusia and Flagler counties, searching for enemy activity. And, while I was on the water,
Betty did her part on the beach. She spent night after night in the watchtower, searching for German submarines that could land foreign soldiers on shore. One night, U.S. authorities actually caught some enemy spies who had made their way ashore from a sub! Betty and I weren't on watch that night, so we didn't play a direct part in their capture, but one of my Coast Guard buddies did. I got to really thinking about that time, and then I dug into the trunk that holds all our war stuff to find the letter--the one my wife, Betty, received from General Bedell, thanking her for her participation in the war effort. I'm posting a copy of the letter here because, even though it's over 60 years old, it still means a lot to us.
Department of Defense
Washington, D.C.
January 14, 1945
Dear Betty,
I have just learned of your exceptional efforts during the war which so recently ended. Defending our coasts from enemy invaders at sea was crucial to the security of the United States during this difficult time.
Without the watchtowers, and the spotters like you, who volunteered time on the Homefront, it would have been harder to win this war!
On behalf of the United States government, I thank you for your tremendous contribution to the war effort.
Sincerely,
GENERAL BEDELL |
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Frank's Favorite
Web Sites
AMVETS: American Veterans
National World War II Memorial
United State Submarine Veterans of World War II
Letters of Private Melvin W. Johnson
Veteran and Military World War Websites
The Ethics of War
K-9 History: World War II
Betty's Favorite
Web Sites
World War II Orphans Network
Victor Darilek's "Log Book"
Rosie the Riveter
Airplane spotter cards
Women at War
The Victory Garden
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