Display inside Petco Park’s Power Alley remembers Manuel P. Hernandez of San Diego. Before the start of World War II he played for the Pacific Coast League Padres. He died in action fighting in Germany.
Exhibits that honor members of the Padres who served in the military can be found at Petco Park. Inside the Power Alley, near the large model of the USS Midway, photographs and words pay tribute to three wartime heroes in particular.
One display memorializes the only Padres player to die in combat, Manuel P. “Nay” Hernandez. Born in San Diego in 1919, he attended San Diego High School and played American Legion baseball with the San Diego Post 6 team. After becoming starting left fielder for the Pacific Coast League Padres, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944, joining the 376th Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division. Less than a year later he was killed in action fighting the Nazis in Germany.
Another display honors two Padres baseball legends: Ted Williams and Jerry Coleman. Both were Marine aviators during the Korean War. Ted Williams, a San Diego native who played for the PCL Padres at Lane Field, became arguably the best hitter in the history of Major League Baseball. Jerry Coleman, after playing with distinction as a New York Yankee (1949 American League Rookie of the Year and 1950 World Series MVP), became a beloved broadcaster for the San Diego Padres.
Should you ever enjoy a game or special event at Petco Park, walk through the Power Alley section behind right field and linger for a moment near this important bit of Padres history.
Manuel P. “Nay” Hernandez was born in San Diego in 1919. He graduated from San Diego High School, played semi-pro baseball, and went on to start in left field for the PCL Padres. He is the only San Diego Padres player to be killed in combat.A nearby wall in the Power Alley lists the many Major League Baseball Players Who Served Their Country.Historical photographs in Petco Park honor The Pride of San Diego. Two legendary Padres, Ted Williams and Jerry Coleman, are shown on the baseball diamond and serving as pilots during the Korean War.Captain Ted Williams, USMC, manning his Marine Corps F9F-2 Panther jet in Korea, circa 1953.Captain Jerry Coleman, USMC, on the wing of his Marine Corps F-4U Corsair in Korea, circa 1952.
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San Diego’s historic Navy Bicentennial Commemorative Plaque has been cleaned!
Look what I spotted recently during a walk along the Embarcadero. The historic Navy Bicentennial Commemorative Plaque, part of the Greatest Generation Walk near the USS Midway Museum, has been beautifully cleaned. The corrosion is gone!
Whoever is responsible–it looks great!
The fascinating origin of this once mysterious Navy plaque, forged in 1975 on fleet repair ship USS Ajax, was revealed here.
In that blog post you can see a photo of the old corrosion, which has now been removed!
This particular Boeing Vertol CH-46D(E) Sea Knight military helicopter in San Diego is an object of great historical importance.
Many regard the evacuation of the United States Ambassador from Saigon as the end of the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, as ordered by President Gerald Ford, Ambassador Graham Martin was airlifted from the rooftop of the American Embassy. He had stepped aboard a Boeing Vertol CH-46D(E) Sea Knight military helicopter, call sign Lady Ace 09, flown by pilot Captain Gerry Berry.
While the Ambassador’s evacuation from the Embassy has provided a visual symbol of America’s departure from South Vietnam, the reality was a bit more chaotic. When Lady Ace 09 transmitted “Tiger is out,” indicating the Ambassador had been retrieved, other helicopter crews involved in the evacuation mistakenly thought the mission was completed. But Marine Security Guards on the Embassy’s rooftop would be lifted to safety hours later. Shortly thereafter, Communist forces would raise the Viet Cong flag over Saigon’s Presidential Palace.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. In addition to Lady Ace 09, over two dozen aircraft that have been flown by the United States Marines are on display. Admission is free.
The museum wants to expand. You can help! Learn more here.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego contains many aircraft that have been used during the history of the United States Marine Corps.At the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at MCAS Miramar, the public can see the actual helicopter that evacuated the U.S. Ambassador from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.Operation Frequent Wind, 29-30 April 1975, call sign Lady Ace 09. This Sea Knight helicopter evacuated Ambassador Graham Martin from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, South Vietnam. (Click photo to expand.)A look at the rear of the historic helicopter that transported U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin to the safety of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) standing by in the South China Sea.The fuselage of Sea Knight troop transport helicopter, call sign Lady Ace 09.At 04:58 Ambassador Martin boarded Lady Ace 09 on the rooftop of the American Embassy in Saigon. The message “Tiger is out” was transmitted, signaling the departure of the U.S. Ambassador.The nose of Lady Ace 09, which today is on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.Inside the the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, visitors can see one section devoted to USMC aviators and aircraft that participated in the Vietnam War.One museum display case includes a map of Laos, Cambodia, and North and South Vietnam during the war.Photos of Marine helicopter operations during the Vietnam War.Boeing Vertol CH-46D(E) Sea Knight, call sign Lady Ace 09, the helicopter whose historic flight is often regarded as the conclusion of the Vietnam War.
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Photo of Samuel Tsosie Sr., Navajo Code Talker during World War II.
A small but fascinating exhibit remembering the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II is currently on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego. The exhibition, titled CELEBRATING 75 YEARS – CODE TALKERS: THE NAVAJO WEAPON, contains photos, documents, uniforms and historical artifacts that describe how the Navajo language was used to develop a code for secret tactical communication in the Pacific, in places like Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The Navajo code, which was classified until 1968, is the only spoken military code that was never deciphered.
The exhibit explains:
Many scholars credit Philip Johnston with initiating the Code Talker idea. Johnston was a Caucasian who grew up in Leupp, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. He approached the Marine Corps in 1942 after the attack on Pearl Harbor and proposed using Native American Navajo language for combat communications.
His knowledge of the Navajo culture led him to bring four Navajo volunteers to Camp Elliott in San Diego, California (an area that is now part of MCAS-Miramar) for a demonstration. Impressed with successful and efficient English and Navajo translations, the Marine Corps began recruiting Navajos. The first group of twenty-nine recruits entered boot camp, took courses in military communication procedures and developed the code. Approximately 400 Navajo recruited by the Marines learned the code.
Working around the clock during the first two days of Iwo Jima, six Navajo Code Talkers sent and received over 800 messages, all without error. According to Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division Signal Officer, “Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima”.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is free and open to the public at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The museum grounds contains over two dozen aircraft used during the proud history of Marine Corps aviation. It has the world’s largest and most complete collection of vintage aircraft flown by United States Marine pilots.
The museum is looking to expand and I’m told they would really appreciate your help. For more info, click here.
Celebrating 75 Years – Code Talkers: The Navajo Weapon. The Marine Corps deployed the Code Talkers to the Pacific, where the code proved effective and indecipherable. (Click photo to expand for easy reading.)The first 29 Code Talkers enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, 1942.First 29 Code Talkers of 382nd Platoon, 1942.Navajo Code Talkers Henry Bahe and George Kirk working their radio in the jungles of Bougainville.Eight Navajo Code Talkers on Bougainville. Most hold an M1 Garand used in combat.Display case in this special Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum exhibit includes military field equipment used by the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II.The EE-8 Field Telephone/Radio was used by the Signal Corps from before World War II through the Vietnam War.Navajo Code Talkers share their culture at Camp Elliott, 1943.One of four creators of the code, Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez.Navajo Code Talker PFC Carl Gorman mans his observation post overlooking Garapan Saipan, 1944.This enlisted man’s uniform jacket, shirt and tie belonged to Samuel Tsosie Sr. The Guadalcanal patch was worn on discharge uniforms by all Navajo Code Talkers.Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tsosie Sr., pictured with Alfred M. Gray Jr. during an award assembly in 2009. Gray served as the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1987-1991.Official uniform of the Navajo Code Talkers includes a red cap, Navajo jewelry, gold shirt, patch on upper arm, light-colored trousers and abalone-colored shoes.
The museum exhibit explains the significance of various items worn by the Navajo Code Talkers.
The red cap indicates the United States Marine Corps. The jewelry represents the Navajo or Diné, which translates “Children of God” or “The People”. The gold shirt represents corn pollen. The light-colored trousers represent Mother Earth. The abalone-colored shoes represents the sacred mountains.
Replica of Congressional Silver Medal represents the medal received by Samuel Tsosie Sr. for his service during World War II. 300 Navajo received the Silver medal.Shoulder patch of U.S. Marine Corps–WWII Navajo Code Talkers Association.
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Front of the 1924 Army-Navy YMCA building in downtown San Diego, designed by architects Lincoln Rogers and Frank W. Stevenson.
The grand entrance of the historic Army-Navy YMCA building in downtown San Diego is presently shuttered from view. That’s because the structure, built in 1924 for the recreational activities of San Diego’s many enlisted military men, is being converted into an elegant new hotel on Broadway. The Guild San Diego will open in spring 2018 and promises to offer a variety of unique features, including a ballroom inside what was once the old YMCA basketball court.
Before the present construction began, I took some photos of the columns and artwork around the building’s amazing front entrance. These images have been sitting idle in my computer. Here they are for your enjoyment.
When I took this photo, the 500 West Hotel had closed. Today a new luxury destination, The Guild Hotel, is under construction. Much of the historic building will be preserved.Some beautiful sculptural work around the elegant front entrance.I believe this represents Cabrillo’s ship San Salvador, which entered San Diego Bay in 1542.Part of the very ornate front entrance to the Army-Navy YMCA building in San Diego.
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The Memorial Wall beside VFW Post 2422 in Coronado, California.
You can’t miss it. A proud Memorial Wall. You’ll see it near the front door of the General Henry D. Styer Post 2422 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Coronado. Tiles contain the names of heroes who served their country with honor.
Here are some photos.
Tiles on the outdoor Memorial Wall remember those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.Front of the General Henry D. Styer Post 2422 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Coronado.Plaque on nearby bench reads Dedicated to All Who Have Served or Are Serving in Support of Our Country’s Freedom.Plaque at base of flagpole reads In Honor of the Coronado Men and Women Who Served in the Armed Forces in World War II.Names on the Memorial Wall include United States Navy Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale.Painted on three small stones are words of Thank You for the service of heroes.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Volunteers and Boy Scouts work to improve the USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.
Your help is needed to help restore a beautiful U.S. Navy sailor memorial in San Diego. I’m speaking of the USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park. Some of the 66 oak trees planted to honor the victims of the USS Bennington boiler explosion in 1905 have themselves died. They need to be replaced.
The San Diego Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is working to restore and improve the historic oak grove with the help of hardworking Boy Scouts and locally-based U.S. Navy sailors. You can read more about these efforts here.
But money is needed. Donations are sought to purchase new trees. Please contact the San Diego DAR to learn how you can help honor and beautify the USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove.
A dead oak tree that needs to be replaced.
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There are three new works of art on display in the breezeway between the downtown Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the Santa Fe Depot. These pieces concern disturbing emotions felt by combat veterans, and the ongoing battle of many with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I believe–but I’m not certain–that the art you see in these photos was produced by military personnel who participate in the museum’s ArtOASIS program. ArtOASIS was created for PTSD patients in conjunction with Combat Arts, a local organization that provides opportunities for combat troops to express themselves.
These images are raw and painful. They are brutally honest. To paint these dark, secret things requires great personal courage.
Someone walks through the breezeway between MCASD and Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego.PTSD. What happens when you get home and realize you will never be this awesome again. Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to the light.A lone figure lies against the wall of Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.REAL TALK. Life.
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Sculpted face of a crew member of the U.S.S. San Diego, representing all United States sailors who served their country during World War II.
Yesterday evening, after dark, I walked along the Embarcadero. When I arrived at the Greatest Generation Walk, I paused to gaze at the various illuminated memorials and monuments. I was struck at how light reflected from the bronze figures of military heroes, highlighting their expressive faces.
I took many photos of those faces. I kept my flash off. Some of the faces were insufficiently lit for my camera, but the photographs you see here, of mostly ordinary people courageously serving our country–primarily in World War II–came out quite well. I sharpened the images a bit, but that’s all.
The first photo was taken at the U.S.S. San Diego (CL-53) Memorial, created by artists Eugene Daub and Louis Quaintance.
The next seven photographs were taken at the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military, created by artists Eugene Daub and Steven Whyte.
The next three photographs were taken at the Homecoming sculpture, created by artist Stanley Bleifeld.
The final two photographs were taken at the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, which was created by artists T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.
Bob Hope as he appeared in the 1940s, entertaining the troops on a USO tour.A World War II Marine Corps Sergeant depicted as a patient from the 44th Field Hospital.A World War II naval aviator.A Korean War sailor.World War II Navy Machinist Mate John Ibe, who survived the loss of the USS St. Lo during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.Korean War Private from the 45th Infantry Division.A World War II fighter pilot. One of the Tuskegee Airmen.A sailor embraces his wife upon his return from a deployment far from home.A supportive wife hugs her sailor husband.Love endures.A sailor who serves aboard an aircraft carrier.A naval aviator who flies from an aircraft carrier.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to share and enjoy!
Those who have served were honored in San Diego during the 2017 Veterans Day Parade along the Embarcadero.
Late this morning I walked down to the Embarcadero to enjoy the 2017 San Diego Veterans Day Parade. And I got dozens of photos!
An enthusiastic crowd lining Harbor Drive watched one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States. San Diego is home to a large number of active and retired military. And those who have served are honored.
Thank you for defending our freedom!
Someone hold a sign that reads Proud Of Our Veterans.Before the parade, representatives of Naval Medical Center San Diego posed for pictures.Participants in the Veterans Day Parade practice in Waterfront Park near the County Administration Building.The color guard awaits the start of the big parade down Harbor Drive.Dave Scott of KUSI television fires up people waiting in the bleachers.Everybody is ready for a patriotic parade!Many would watch the parade from across Harbor Drive, near the Maritime Museum of San Diego. I spotted sailboats out on the bay.Here we go!The Marine Corps Band gets things rolling.Marching with pride and precision during the Veterans Day Parade.The parade heads down Harbor Drive, along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero. The parade route would finish near Seaport Village.Here comes the Mount Miguel High School JROTC.A simple heartfelt message. Welcome home to all our heroes.Pageantry and patriotism.Beauty queens wave. They represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Lakeside.Patrick Henry High School’s colorful Spirit of ’76 Marching Patriots pause for a moment on the parade route.Banners begin to twirl in the San Diego sunlight.The Patrick Henry High School marching band wows the crowd.Here comes the USS Midway Museum contingent.The kids standing near me loved seeing the big inflatable USS Midway aircraft carrier.And the fighter jet up in the blue sky, too!San Diego High School’s Army JROTC was in the Veterans Day Parade.The Young Marines march by.Flags raised high from the American Legion truck. They proudly support our Veterans.Many motorcyclists were also in the parade.Lots of smiles of gratitude from those watching.This group was keeping the Spirit of ’45 alive! Photos of servicemembers who fought in World War II are carried during the parade.Parade participants included young and old alike.An All American San Diego Salute for our WWII Veteran Heroes.The Vietnam Veterans of America were an important part of the parade. They received loud cheers.Is that a cool car, or what?A flag held high.Here come the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.A POW MIA flag follows a group of honored Veterans.Wells Fargo had their stagecoach in the parade. They salute heroes who serve.Hundreds of active duty military personnel based in San Diego now marched past. The crowd thanked every one of them.Those serving in military facilities and on Navy ships based in San Diego filed past.The parade goes on. The Monte Vista High School Monarch Royal Brigade marches by.The San Diego County Veteran of the Year is recognized.Member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society passes in a classic car.Kid holds a sign that reads Thank You For Your Service!!! Air Force – Army – Coast Guard – Marines – NavyThe San Diego Padres baseball team is a big supporter of the active military and all Veterans.Heroes who’ve been assisted by the Veterans Village San Diego march past. Thank you for your service! Know that you are appreciated by many!Here comes the Morse High School JROTC.The Morse High School Tigers had a huge number of great participants in the Veterans Day Parade!Meanwhile, lots of cool stuff was being handed out to those watching the parade.These friendly folks were handing out American flags.A reenactment of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima was part of the parade.Here comes the Korean Veterans Association.Smiles up and down the parade route.Here come recipients of the Purple Heart. Honoring America’s combat wounded Veterans.It’s the fun Squibob Fire Department!The San Diego Diocese Chapter of Knights of Columbus marches past.The 2017 Veterans Day Parade in San Diego today brought many smiles to the waterfront.
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