Military memorials stand tall even on the other side of the world.
Australia and New Zealand, frequent allies of the United States in 20th-century conflicts and beyond, maintain memorials and monuments to those conflicts.
Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge, Annandale, Australia: “This bridge commemorates the heroism of Major Richard Ira Bong (1920-1945) of Poplar, Wisconsin. Richard Bong served with the 9th Fighter Squadron, 5th United States Air Force in Townsville, Australia during World War II alongside Australian Forces and was America's most decorated airman. He was awarded the Medal of Honor and The Distinguished Service Cross.”
USS Peary Memorial, Darwin, Australia: “A story of sacrifice. Darwin Harbour is the resting place for the U.S. destroyer Peary sunk on 19th February 1942 by Japan`s Pearl Harbour veterans. This 4 inch gun was salvaged from the Peary in the 1950`s by diver Carl Atkinson (dec.). It was restored by the RAN for the Northern Territory`s 1992 War Service Memorial Year and now points towards the Peary`s grave. This plaque was unveiled by the Chief Minister The Hon. Marshall Peron MLA on 29th January 1992 in the presence of Peary survivors Dallas Widick and Melvin Duke and a colour guard from the U.S. frigate Robert E. Peary. The wartime Peary came under repeated fire from December 1941 - February 1942. In her last action she sank with her guns still blazing and represents the U.S. Navy`s greatest loss of life in Australian waters. Her gallant sacrifice is forever part of Darwin`s history.”
USS William B. Preston Memorial, Darwin, Australia: “USS William B. Preston (AVD 7) was operating as a unit of the US Asiatic Fleet, commanded by LCDR Etheridge Grant, US Navy, with VP22 and Squadron Commander LCDR Frank O'Beirne, US Navy. The ship was anchored in Darwin Harbour on February 19, 1942 tending seaplanes of Patwingten Squardrons VP22, VP 101, and VP102 when Japanese Air Forces attacked. Struck by bombs while underway, the ship lost ten members of her crew and was severely damaged, but under the skillful handling of Lt. Lester O. Wood, US Navy, who was acting commanding officer, was able to gain the open sea. After repairs in Sydney, she returned to western Australia for continued war operations. The catalina shot down this date was piloted by Tomas H. Moorer, US Navy. Later, as a full admiral, he served as chairman, US Joint Chiefs of Staff. This plaque is dedicated to the brave men of USS William B. Preston and her attached aircraft who lost their lives on February 19, 1942 during the Battle of Australia.”
Veterans War Memorial, Alice Springs, Australia: at the northern edge of town.
U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, Wellington, New Zealand: The inscription reads: “The United States Marine Corps arrived at this quay in May 1942 and left from here to serve in the Pacific Theatre of War."
- Honor & Remembrance