Two weeks ago, on Dec. 7, the Catalina Island Museum opened its new exhibit “First Line of Defense: Catalina Island and World War II” commemorating the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and ultimately the beginning of World War II.
I felt privileged to be given a private tour of the new exhibit that brings to life the struggles and sacrifices of citizens and servicemen as Catalina Island was transformed nearly overnight from a carefree paradise into a Federal Military Zone.
Two weeks ago, on Dec. 7, the Catalina Island Museum opened its new exhibit “First Line of Defense: Catalina Island and World War II” commemorating the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and ultimately the beginning of World War II.
I felt privileged to be given a private tour of the new exhibit that brings to life the struggles and sacrifices of citizens and servicemen as Catalina Island was transformed nearly overnight from a carefree paradise into a Federal Military Zone.
My friend and curator, John Boraggina, personally escorted me though the exhibit pointing out all the memorabilia, stories, pictures and more of the tremendous role that Catalina Island played during World War II.
I sat back totally mesmerized while watching the video which brilliantly captures the essence of what it was like to live on Catalina Island during those war years and more.
Major kudos to Jim Watson, a fellow columnist for The Catalina Islander, who produced this informative “must see” video while working closely with John Boraggina.
While listening to John and observing all there is to see at this fascinating exhibit, I was suddenly transported back to my childhood years. My three sibling brothers, Bob, Tom and Alex (in that order) and myself, grew up listening to tales from our dad regarding his role during World War II.
As a child, and the only female sibling, I found those stories somewhat “boring” (please remember I was just a kid) and it wasn’t until many years later that I truly realized what a hero my dad was along with all the other war heroes who proudly served their country while defending our freedom.
At 18 years of age, my dad Robert A. Jamieson, and thousands of other young men at that time, enlisted to serve their country proudly.
My dad enlisted in the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Pillsbury DE–133. Little did he know at that time that on June 4, 1944, he and his fellow crewmates would go down in history in helping to capture the German submarine U-505. This was the only “Man of War” ship captured on the high seas since the War of 1812, thus ending a violent run for U-505, which had terrorized the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.
Although my dad was not part of the boarding party, several of his crewmates from the USS Pillsbury were lowered onto another craft and boarded the injured U-505.
They climbed its conning tower and stormed down the hatches, fully expecting to meet stiff resistance.
Finding the boat deserted, the boarders set about collecting charts, code books, and papers, closing valves and plugging leaks.
One of those finds was the infamous “M4 Enigma Machine,” which held Nazi war secrets and was thought to contain unbreakable war codes.
However, the ingenuity of Allied code breakers, combined with German blunders, made it possible for the Allies to read most messages to and from other German U-boats, which ultimately led to the successful invasion at Normandy and the end of the war. Not so boring after all, dad.
If you have not yet made your way out to our museum, I strongly urge you to do so.
In my opinion, it is one of the best exhibits I have seen yet.
Under the skillful direction and guidance of Dr. Michael De Marsche and his wonderful staff, the Museum has brought many exceptional exhibits throughout the past year-and-a-half focusing on Catalina Island’s rich and fascinating history. John Boraggina exudes knowledge, enthusiasm and pride in his role as curator for the Catalina Island Museum.
From the moment you step over the threshold to enter the museum you are greeted by warm and friendly staff that is eager to share their knowledge of the current exhibit and answer any questions you may have.
While there, make sure you take the time to browse the gift shop before entering the exhibit.
There are many unique pieces of merchandise that appeal to everyone’s taste.
Perhaps you too will be transported back to your childhood memories of your “war hero” or maybe to someone who is currently serving his or her country.
Thank you for your stories, dad. You shall forever be loved and never forgotten.
And thank you to every “war hero” who has served or is currently serving his or her country, for risking your precious lives to preserve our sacred freedom.
God bless you all.
For additional information on the “First Line of Defense: Catalina Island and World War II.” Visit CatalinaMuseum.org or call (310) 510-2414.
The U-505 is currently on exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, Illinois.
Pat Jamieson is the advertising representative for the Catalina Islander.
