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| Program Reporting |
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| Submitted Date |
12/15/2023 |
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| Program |
Americanism / Patriotic Instructor |
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| Date of Activity |
9/11/2023 |
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| Description |
| Several members of the SeaMont Memorial Auxiliary attended the memorial service of Naval Petty Officer Wilbur Archie Mitts a World War II Veteran. Petty Officer Mitts had enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 8th 1941 where he served until his death on September 10 1944. He received his last assignment on October 28 1943 when he was transferred to Navy Torpedo Squadron 20 (VT-20) and stationed on the USS Enterprise. On September 10 1944 during a pre-invasion strike mission on the Palau Islands Mitts and his crewmates were lost when their plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The crash site in Malakal Harbor was searched and determined as unrecoverable until the Recover Project previously called the Bent Pro Project began in 2003. Mitts was awarded the Purple Heart and his loss is memorialized on the Walls of the Mission at the Manila American Cemetery & Memorial in the Philippines. A rosette is being placed next to his name to signify his recovery. A memorial service was held at the Mission Memorial Park in Seaside on September 11 2023. The American Legion were flag bearers posting flags from each military branch of service; the Navy posted Colors; the 21- gun salute was performed by the Presidio of Monterey's Ceremonial Battery. The service was officiated by U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta Navy Reserve Rear Admiral Michael J. Schwerin and Reserve Force Lt. Commander Richard Shang. |
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