Tag: midway

Taffy 3 and Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial.

admiral sprague bust remembers leyte gulf battle

This is the bust of Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague. He commanded Task Unit 77.4.3, also known as Taffy 3, during World War II. The 13 ships and over 7000 men of Taffy 3 fought courageously in the Pacific, repulsing a vastly superior force of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It was the war’s final and greatest battle between the two opposing fleets.

Behind the bust, the monument features thirteen black polished granite panels. Each one contains historical information about the American naval ships that participated.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial is located in the middle of the Greatest Generation Walk, just south of the USS Midway. It’s not far from the huge, iconic Unconditional Surrender statue, which people often dub The Kiss. You can see it there in the first photo’s background!

Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation.
Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation.
Admiral Clifton A. F. Sprague won many awards.
Admiral Clifton A. F. Sprague won many awards.
Few can compare with the courage, coolness and tactical genius.
Few can compare with the courage, coolness and tactical genius.
Looking at the memorial with Navy Broadway Complex in background.
Looking at the memorial with Navy Broadway Complex in background.
Tourist poses near bust of Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague.
Tourist poses near bust of Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague.

Kid musician street performers by USS Midway.

kid musician street performers by midway

Just walking along yesterday, I had to pause for a few moments to enjoy these kids playing string instruments by the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum for the passing Labor Day crowd. San Diego’s Embarcadero usually has a number of fun street performers, especially down by Seaport Village, but they were out in full force for the holiday weekend!

These three kids are talented musicians!

UPDATE!!!

Walking past Seaport Village on a fine Sunday afternoon in March, I happened to see this amazing musical family again! And I learned their official name: the De la Motte Strings! Here’s their Facebook page!

De la Motte family playing string music.
De la Motte family playing string music.
De la Motte Strings performs by Seaport Village.
De la Motte Strings performs by Seaport Village.

ANOTHER SIGHTING!

The musical family plays one Saturday at the Little Italy farmers market.
The musical family plays one Saturday at the Little Italy farmers market.

AGAIN!

I spotted this growing musical group in Balboa Park in late 2018!

De la Motte Strings musicians perform in Balboa Park.
De la Motte Strings musicians perform in Balboa Park.
Youthful musicians of the De la Motte Strings add life to San Diego.
Youthful musicians of the De la Motte Strings add life to San Diego.