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Started By
Message
RIP Ed Vezey, survivor of the USS Oklahoma
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:04 pm
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:04 pm
quote:
We are saddened to share the news that USS Oklahoma survivor Ed Vezey has passed away. Former Lt. Cmdr. Edward E. Vezey, Jr., went to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, every year for the USS Oklahoma memorial ceremony. The trip renewed his sacred bond with his brothers. It also gave him strength to tell their story and legacy.
Frank Flaherty was Vezey's roommate on the USS Oklahoma. He gave his life to save his crew. "They all gave him credit for getting them out of the turret," said Vezey in a recent interview. Flaherty was awarded the Medal of Honor. His portrait sits prominently in Vezey's living room. Vezey talked to Frank's painting every day while working out on his treadmill.
On Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked at Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma capsized and 429 crew members were killed when the ship was struck by enemy torpedoes. Paul Goodyear, head of the national USS Oklahoma Family Inc., said. "It won't be long before there's none of us left,". "I worry that some of the history of all of Pearl Harbor will be lost."
Vezey grew up in College Station, Texas, and joined the Navy in 1940. After the war, Vezey worked as an engineer for General Electric and then retired to a ranch in Center, Colo. After the death of his wife, Vezey moved to Moore, Oklahoma.
Vezey said he fell in love with Oklahoma when he worked on the committee that oversaw the building of the USS Oklahoma Memorial in Hawaii, which was dedicated on Dec. 7, 2007.
Vezey was an anti-aircraft gunner on the USS Oklahoma. Vezey and his roommate, Frank Flaherty, were in their quarters when they heard the call to man the battle stations. Vezey headed to his anti-aircraft turret. Flaherty went to the ship's turret. Flaherty, who died that day, was awarded the Medal of Honor for staying in his turret and holding a flashlight to let others escape. On the living room wall in Vezey's home is a painting of the USS Oklahoma Memorial. On the hallway and above his bed are illustrations of the USS Oklahoma.
Rest in peace, Mr. Vezey.
Edited title. Some stories say he is the last survivor, but it's not clear whether others are still living. He may have been the last surviving officer.
This post was edited on 1/3/16 at 6:19 pm
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:05 pm to Jim Rockford
RIP Mr. Vezey. An American Hero.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:06 pm to Jim Rockford
Less and less of them around every day.
RIP
RIP
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:07 pm to Jim Rockford
It's gonna be a pitiful day when there are more Kardashians alive than World War 2 vets. RIP Sir.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:09 pm to Jim Rockford
quote:
Vezey talked to Frank's painting every day while working out on his treadmill.
That's the most poignant thing I've read in a long time.
ETA: I know I have a serial downvoter, but really? Downvoting this?
This post was edited on 1/3/16 at 6:55 pm
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:11 pm to Jim Rockford
True American Hero. RIP sir.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:14 pm to chesty
He'd probably get accused of stolen valor wearing that hat these days.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:17 pm to Jim Rockford
Moore, Oklahoma
Didn't they have a major tornado hit this area a few years back?
Posted on 1/3/16 at 6:17 pm to Jim Rockford
Frank Flaherty MoH citation
quote:
For conspicuous devotion to duty and extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When it was seen that the U.S.S. Oklahoma was going to capsize and the order was given to abandon ship, Ens. Flaherty remained in a turret, holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 7:50 pm to Jim Rockford
RIP. Most men aren't worthy to shine the shoes of those men.
And who's the piece of shite downvoting this?
I hope you're found in an alley with a styrofoam downvote shoved down your throat
And who's the piece of shite downvoting this?
I hope you're found in an alley with a styrofoam downvote shoved down your throat
This post was edited on 1/3/16 at 7:51 pm
Posted on 1/3/16 at 8:28 pm to Jim Rockford
Nice but what did he do to stop the Japs? Had he thwarted the attack I'd be impressed. Total non-story here.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 9:30 pm to ClientNumber9
I think it's fair to say he's been to hell and back just surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor.
I think it's also fair to say that you're a dick.
I think it's also fair to say that you're a dick.
Posted on 1/3/16 at 9:32 pm to Jim Rockford
Went to Pearl Harbor last month for the 74th Anniversary. Was an amazing day and had the opportunity to attend several memorials including the Oklahoma ceremony. Was very moving indeed and had the opportunity to meet several of the old timers attending the various ceremonies. Only wish we could have done this trip with my grandfather who served in the navy during WWII in the pacific but he passed away two years ago. They truly are the greatest generation. RIP
Posted on 1/3/16 at 9:36 pm to Jim Rockford
RIP
USS Oklahoma City CLG 5. 1965-66
Grey Ghost off the Vietnam Coast
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club
:usa:
USS Oklahoma City CLG 5. 1965-66
Grey Ghost off the Vietnam Coast
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club
:usa:
This post was edited on 1/3/16 at 9:39 pm
Posted on 1/3/16 at 9:58 pm to Honest Tune
quote:It's a pitiful day when any Kardasians are alive.
It's gonna be a pitiful day when there are more Kardashians alive than World War 2 vets. RIP Sir.
Period.
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