Jim Dailey

Amchitka Island, Alaska …

This small seemingly God forsaken 42 mile long, 3 mile wide volcanic island is one of the Western most members of the Aleutian Islands Chain. Amchitka is remembered more for the three underground detonations of nuclear bombs in the 60’s and 70’s than for the vital role played in WW ll.

On this Memorial Day I take personal pride remembering Amchitka, remembering those who served, remembering that without Amchitka the Japanese might easily have had a path to mainland Alaska, remembering that in spite of extreme weather, impossible terrain and enemy bombings the Navy Seabees constructed the first of three air strips in an unbelievable 34 days. My dad, Dalton Dailey was one of those Navy Seabees protecting our freedom in 1943 on Amchitka Island.  

Let us never forget those who gave all …

Fortunately my dad returned home, fortunately my uncles returned home, fortunately my son returned home … unfortunately there are so many who did not.

I don’t recall having such emotion and connection to the history of preserving our freedoms as now.  I was a child during World War ll, and remained state side during the Vietnam War.  My unit, the 142nd Army Medical Evacuation Unit was called up during the Berlin Crisis, came close to call up during Vietnam but I never had to experience the fear and separation thousands “then and now” experience.  On this day I thank each of them for protecting our Nation, its principles and our freedoms.

God Bless our Men and Women in Uniform … may there soon be Peace in the World.

I mentioned other family members who served and found these two pictures …

My Uncle Frank Dailey who was a pilot and my son D.J. with my dad, both Navy men. Frank, now a retired doctor is front row, second from the left.  I think you can make out which is D.J.