Celebrating a World War II veteran's 93rd birthday

Photo By Paulyn Z Santiago | World War II veteran Alastair D. Gill, Radioman, enjoyed a barbecue, sightseeing and fanfare from Selected Reservists and active duty military during the NOSC drill weekend while celebrating his 93rd birthday.  

PORT HUENEME, CA, UNITED STATES

09.13.2014

Story by Chief Petty Officer Ryan arnoldussen 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

By Navy Operational Support Center Ventura County PAO

PORT HUENEME, Calif. - World War II veteran Alastair D. Gill, radioman, enjoyed a barbecue, sightseeing and fanfare from Selected Reservists and active duty military during the NOSC drill weekend while celebrating his 93rd birthday.

Gill, who served in the Navy as a Radioman during World War II and turned 93 on Sept. 13, received a tour of the Navy Operational Support Center and Port Hueneme from Chief Yeoman Ryan Arnoldussen. He was able to see what some of our Reservists do and complete on their regular scheduled drill weekend.

Gill heard the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor around noon Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor fired up his determination to strike back, so he enlisted. He wanted to fight for his country as a fighter pilot, but again got shot down before he took off. The Army Air Corps turned him away as a potential Army pilot because he failed the eye exam.

Lt. Decker, his commander, called him into his office. He said, "Eighth Naval District Headquarters ordered us to dismiss two cadets to bring our unit within quota. In reviewing your file we found that you don't meet physical requirements to become a line officer. You are one-half inch too short and your eyesight is below the requirement.” He thought, "Here we go again with the matter of my short stature." Decker added, “We'll give you two weeks to stretch half-an-inch and eat carrots by the bunch to improve your vision.” He failed to measure up and, deeply disappointed, he bid goodbye to his college buddies and boarded a train to boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Station on Lake Michigan as a second class seaman.

Gill said he was a young 23-year-old Sailor aboard the USS Suisun during World War II. He talked about the kamikaze attacks and being a part of the battle group that was part of the Japanese surrender. The morning of March 12, 1945, he remembers his ship and the aircraft carrier USS Randolph were anchored when he saw one of the Japanese Frances aircraft crashing into and inflicting heavy damage on the Randolph's starboard side just below the flight deck.

Gill refueled the seaplanes which transported into and out of the bay, the VIPs who assembled aboard the battleship USS Missouri anchored about a mile from him. He had a "box seat" at the grand event to celebrate the Japanese surrender and end the war that began four years before at Pearl Harbor. At about 0900, Sept. 2, 1945, Capt. Vaughn announced the beginning of the surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. I heard the proceedings over our ship's sound system. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony ships' bells, horns and whistles filled the air.

During Gill’s birthday, Gill was presented a coin from Capt. Long and a coin from the Command Master Chief Tom Lintz. The touching gesture brought tears to the veteran's eyes.

"This is an unbelievable day," he said after hearing everyone sing the birthday song. "I never thought I would ever receive this [kind of] applause and celebration for not only my birthday but my service to the U.S. Navy. I nearly lost my life several different times while fighting for my country, but to be [alive] here today and to be able to celebrate my 93rd birthday with Sailors serving today ... it just makes it all worth it."

While Gill was humbled, happy and very surprised to see everyone, those in attendance expressed that this celebration was more than just a celebration of life, it was a way to pay homage to a man who paved the way for our country and the rest of the world and a chance to honor a hero who played an essential part during a time of uncertainty and war.

"In honoring Gill’s service to his country and birthday, we must never forget that the brave and heroic people that served before us have given a lot, some gave their lives. They should be remembered and they should be honored," said chief Yeoman Vanessa Gutierrez, NOSC Ventura County.

Nearly 70 years ago, and decades after leaving the service, the veteran had finally received the tribute and celebration he always wanted.

"You will never know what this means to me," he said holding some of his new coins in his hand. "I will remember this day and smile."

NOSC Ventura County, located in Port Hueneme, California, conducts training, administration and execution of Navy Reserve policy for approximately 1,200 reserve Sailors in 39 administratively assigned units.

For more information about Naval Base Ventura County at http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/navbase_ventura_county.html or learn more about NOSC Ventura County’s current events at https://www.facebook.com/NOSCVenturaCounty/info.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2014
• Date Posted: 10.02.2014 12:25
• Story ID: 144041
• Location: PORT HUENEME, CA, US