VFW WI Post 8483

Posted at 12:02 AM on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 by JC Unger

"On December 30, 1946, a Martin Mariner PBM-5 "seaplane" named the George One with a crew of nine lifted off from the Antactic Sea to photograph and map the Antarctic coatline. This mission was part of Admiral Richard Byrd's 1946-47 Operation highjump expedition. Four hours later the aircraft grazed a ridgeline and crashed, killing three of the crew. They were buried by the six survivors in a temporary grave under one of the aircraft's wings. Thirteen days later, the survivors were rescued, but the bodies of the dead were unale to be retrieved. Today, the three remain buried under 150 feet of snow and ice.

It's time to bring them home! "

With these words, Michael H. Wysong, Director of the VFW's National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee begins his plea to top Defense Department brass to put current technology to work locating and recovering the remains of Ensign Maxwell A. Lopes (RI), Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Frederick Warren Willians (TN), and Aviation Radioman 1st Class Wendell K. Henderin (WI).

Wysong's letter is addressed to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Navy Secretary Dr. Donald C. Winter, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England and Rear Admiral John W. Goodwin, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.

The request is made on behalf of the 2.3 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and our auxiliaries, who see it as a solemn duty to not leave a fallen comrade behind.

Add your voice and make us heard loud and clear. We've included the following link for you to leave your comment about this matter of national honor: Leave A Message