3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s news release didn’t identify the five Marines, citing the military’s policy of waiting 24 hours after notifying next of kin.
Supporters say naming a ship for Telesforo Trinidad would honor not just the only Asian American in the U.S. Navy granted the nation’s highest award for valor, but the tens of thousands of Filipinos and Americans of Filipino descent who have served in the U.S. Navy since 1901.
A lifetime of flying, going back to his days as a 21-year-old bomber pilot in Italy and flying secret missions with the OSS, is recounted in “Special Duties Pilot.”
Lt. Thomas Conway swam to sailors to provide them with comfort, prayer and to administer sacraments after two Japanese torpedos hit the USS Indianapolis.