A memorial dedication was held at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas on June 18, 2011.  Air Squadron VC-97 crew members Robert Tuggle Jr., Vernon L Tebo, and Warren H Loyd who were killed in action on Ishigaki Jima on April 15, 1945 were honored along with USS Shipley Bay Catapult Crew member Philip W Nearing.  Family members gathered for a group photograph after the ceremony.

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Veterans and family members gathered at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company on Friday evening prior to attending the Memorial Dedication on June 18, 2011.  Robert Cappella is shown presenting the map of Ishigaki to Marty Kaderli. Marty attended on behalf of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Click [Here] to view the Memorial Dedication at the National Museum of the Pacific War.

The National Radial Engine Exhibition was held in the town of Akron, Colorado.  This unique event included a fly-in, world-class aerobatics acts, a thrilling World War II reenactment complete with pyrotechnics, a car show, a motorcycle show, radio controlled airplanes and many vendor booths.  The Exhibition held on September 11, 2011 included a visit from the Rocky Mountain Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and their beautifully restored TBM Avenger show above. 

The Fishhook Squadron (VC-97) was attached to the USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85) during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.   Bernard Marcus MacDonald's TBM Avenger #32 was photographed over Okinawa and can be seen [here].