Australia remembers America’s World War II dead as well as its own.
Australia has been an ally to the United States in multiple conflicts. The Legion’s memorials database contains several to American war dead, especially from World War II.
Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge, Annandale, New South Wales: “This bridge commemorates the heroism of Maj. Richard Ira Bong (1920-1945) of Poplar, Wis. 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, Northern Territory: “Darwin Harbour is the resting place for the U.S. destroyer Peary, sunk on 19th February 1942 by Japan`s Pearl Harbor veterans. This 4-inch gun was salvaged from Peary in the 1950s by diver Carl Atkinson (dec.). It was restored by the RAN for the Northern Territory`s 1992 War Service Memorial Year and now points toward Peary’s grave.
This plaque was unveiled by 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, Northern Territory: “USS William B. Preston (AVD 7) was operating as a unit of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet, commanded by LCDR Etheridge Grant, U.S. Navy, with VP22 and Squadron Commander LCDR Frank O'Beirne, U.S. 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 10 members of her crew and was severely damaged, but under the skillful handling of Lt. Lester O. Wood, U.S. 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, U.S. Navy. Later, as a full admiral, he served as chairman, U.S. 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, Northern Territory: located on the summit of Anzac Hill, this memorial was unveiled on April 25 (Anzac Day), 1934. The original floodlights were replaced with lights from the decommissioned HMAS Yarra in 1979.
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