Tony Soria: Remembering the Easter we invaded Okinawa

On April 1, I awakened at dawn to one of the most spectacular sights I have ever witnessed. For as far as the eye could see, was amassed one of the greatest naval armadas assembled since D-Day and the invasion of Normandy, on June 6, 1944. It was April 1, 1945, Easter Sunday and this was the invasion of Okinawa.

As a 19-year-old radioman, I was aboard the USS Algol along with two other Mercedians, Al Enriquez and Gerald “Bud” Sommerville (both deceased). The attack cargo ship was loaded with troops and their equipment ready to hit the beach. We were taking part in the final operation before the planned invasion and assault on the home islands of Japan.

This, and many other times during the year, tend to bring back a multitude of memories –of friends and shipmates. Many of whom have passed, but will not be forgotten. Best friend Lino Garcia (deceased) and cousin Al Peguero, served aboard the USS Reno along with 12 other Mercedians. Clarence “Clancy” Freitas was aboard the USS Saratoga (which earned 11 battle stars); Geroge DeGraff (deceased) was on the aircraft carrier the USS Ticonderoga.

Merced has always proudly honored and acknowledged its local heroes, as witnessed by your memorial at Courthouse Park. Lest we forget, amen.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Tony Soria: Remembering the Easter we invaded Okinawa."