In honor of the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the WW2 aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8), 100-year-old Bob Cole of Fresno is recognized at the Fresno Veterans Memorial Museum, Oct. 26.
Senior Feather editors, Aubrey Graham, Emma Calderon and Taylor Beckworth interview Cole, as the last known recorded survivor of the USS Hornet. Upon entering the museum, the Feather editors were greeted with the sight of other local news sources such as The Fresno Bee, Valley PBS, Central Valley Today and KSEE24.
While Calderon interviewed Cole about his five years of experience in service, Graham and Beckworth took the opportunity to
snap photos of the interaction as well as many museum displays. One display, in particular, framed James Harold Dolittle’s army uniform from the Dolittle Raid.
Cole shared his new perspective on people in service and the things they go through while talking to Calderon.
“If I hadn’t gone into service, I would never know how all the army, navy and people in service feel,” Cole said. “See, when I went in there, I was 41 and we were not at war. I know the difference between wartime and peacetime.”
Calderon shares the impact she had from the interview with Cole.
“After the interview, I have a new, more grateful outlook on life,” Calderon said, “I hope that high school students learn to respect veterans more and still recognize them after their service.”
If you have not visited the Veterans Memorial Museum lately, we encourage you to make the trip.
For more photos, visit the Media page.
For more articles, read ArtHop promotes local artists, showcases Central Valley diversity and Column: ASB President, importance of opening up.
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Rick Otey • Nov 5, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Hello, My father was on the USS Hornet on April 18, 1942 when the Doolittle Raiders left her deck. He was a 1st Class Motor Machinist Mate. He told me that he heard them revving their engines and just as he peeked out onto the flight deck, number 16, the last plane, took off. The bombardier on number 16 was Jacob DeShazer. He was captured by the Japanese and held as a prisoner of war in solitary confinement for three years. After the war, he returned as a missionary to the people of Japan. I was able to met him in a church in Peoria, Illinois when I was like 8 years old in 1958. I’m 73 now. My father died in 1991 at 71 years old. He was on the Hornet when she sank. Although he never talked much about his service, I could tell that being on the Hornet on the day the Doolittle Raiders left meant a great deal to him. I am Navy veteran of Vietnam aboard a destroyer, USS Bausell (DD-845)Thank you for this article. My father’s name is Kitchell Carson Otey. Rick Otey.
Aubrey Graham • Nov 15, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this story! It is amazing to hear how each generation has been impacted by these events in different ways. I am so thankful for people such as yourself and your father who have served and fought for our freedom. Thank you again so much for sharing and I am glad you enjoyed the article.