Bakers Creek Memorial Pictures
USS O'Brien - Officers and Sailors conduct wreath-laying ceremony
On 28th September 1999, the Commanding Officer, Commander Eric J. Lindenbaum, his Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Andrei Sapsai Jr., a Color Party and a contingent of Sailors from USS O'Brien conducted a sunset wreath-laying ceremony at the Bakers Creek Memorial . USS O'Brien visited the Port of Mackay, Queensland, Australia, for R&R and provisioning on its way toExercise Crocodile 99. The XO arranged the wreath-laying ceremony after being asked to visit the Bakers Creek Memorial. Cdr Lindenbaum, gave a short address about the Memorial and their presence. He then read from an Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs letter to the Mackay RSL Historian - "The State of Illinois sincerely appreciates the Memorial the Australians have built and the annual ceremony they hold honoring those brave Americans lost in the crash."
The Color Party from USS O'Brien advanced for the wreath-laying before wreaths were laid by USS O'Brien and Mackay RSL. As Mackay RSL President, Mr. Adrian van Moolenbroek, closed the ceremony, he thanked the Officers and Sailors of USS O'Brien for highlighting the importance of remembering fallen comrades.
A few days after this ceremony was held, a spotlight was installed to illuminate the Memorial for a few hours each night.
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Col Benson photos:
USS Rushmore - CO presents State of Illinois Flag to Mr. & Mrs. Deakin, the daily flag orderlies
In 1999, the Air Commando Association's PR Officer, Lt. Col Gene Rossel (USAF ret) wrote to a number of US State Governors asking for records of the final resting places of warriors who died in the crash at Bakers Creek. In response, a State of Illinois Flag arrived on 20 November 1999 from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs for Bob and Vivienne Deakin to fly from the Bakers Creek Memorial for two sons of Illinois, Lt. Vern Gidcumb and Pfc Norman Goetz, lost in the B-17C Flying Fortress crash, on 14 June 1943. Copies of their burial records were also received.
CDR Michelle Howard, CO USS Rushmore, in port from 19-23 November 1999, was asked to make the presentation at the Memorial on behalf of the Government of Illinois. She made the presentation with IC2 Lucas Pellens, a native of Utica, Illinois. Maj. Robert Scott, commanding the US Marines on board, presented a framed photograph to Bob and Vivienne for their service to Americans. Cdr Howard also exchanged plaques with Mackay RSL President, Adrian van Moolenbroek. Mrs. Deakin presented Cdr Howard with mementos of Mackay. Cr. Cec Etwell represented the City of Mackay, and MSgt Jack Sheafe who flew with the 8thAir Force in WWII was also present.
Col Benson Photos:
Commander Howard and IC2 Lucas Pellens present the State of Illinois Flag to Mr. and Mrs. Deakin
After the presentation (names to follow)
