He never considered himself a hero! When everyone was safe in their beds He started his day. He woke at 3 a.m. showered and prepared himself for the day. He arrived at the squadron at 0500 for a preflight or briefing, he was a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, or enlisted air crewman. His preflight took most of the next two hours and ended when the wheels were in the wells taking off at 0700. He flew long and hard missions 12 plus hours, not only did they fly in the mornings but 24 hours a day. P2 crews looked out for us. He flew in the least recognized aircraft of the cold war (the P2 Neptune) our government wanted it that way. He flew sub operations from Whidbey, Alaska and over seas bases. He flew Ice Patrols, and search and rescue missions, and or any other missions he was assigned to fly.

We want to thank him, for he gave his life doing what he called just his job. We want to give a memorial to him so his family and all can see we have not forgotten what he did for us and our freedom. Thanks to Don, Don and Dave plus all who helped in the P2 memorial, thanks to the park board and to Paul Brewer for their support. Thanks to the city of Oak Harbor, as I know they will not pass on this chance to give thanks and remembers our true hero’s place in the history of Oak Harbor. Remember, P2’s date back to the days when we still had wooden sidewalks on our main street (Pioneer).

Ed McLaughlin,

Oak Harbor