Battle of Midway - A personal account

Interview with Retired Cmdr. Harry Ferrier, Battle of Midway survivor. Shot, edited and produced by USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for the 2011 USS Nimitz Battle of Midway Remembrance Dinner.

[@borisshevchenco1314]

My aunt was in an assisted living facility in Oak Harbor, WA. During my visits with her, we would have lunch or dinner in the dining room. There was a gentleman named Harry that sat at her table, and would also sit with her in the recreation room. I was told by a few of the other residents that Harry was a war hero, which he always downplayed. Harry didn't speak of the war, but spoke of his job of flying into storm systems after the war. He was very soft spoken and I enjoyed speaking with him. I hadn't realized who he was until I watched a documentary on TV where he was interviewed along with Japanese pilots that also survived the battle of Midway. I was blessed to have met him.

[@navalhistoryhub3748]

Amazing account from the bravest, humblest man I may have ever seen. " I didn't say anything because I don't want people to think I'm crazy. Cherish the moments I had watching this video. Thank you for sharing this.

[@timgeist1450]

Met him once in Oak Harbor, WA. He had a Navy hat on so I thanked him for his service and asked what he had done. I was blown away when he told me about being in the Battle of Midway. Honored to have met him!

[@jeg5gom]

If you had to lie to get in and you laid it on the line for our country, you're a hero, trust me, you're a hero.

[@joshuastevens5910]

Many upon many lied about their age. Some were only 15 and said they were 17.

[@TylerWest1776]

Wish he was still alive. It's Nov. 9 2019 R.i.p Heroes of the War

[@Livvvid]

The man takes intense fire, gets injuried, barely survives, watches his friends and shipmates get killed..... and he still says "I'm grateful to the men who sacrifices for our country" and doesn't see himself as a hero. thats some humility.

[@James-bv4nu]

Every one of them was a hero, who answered the call and put their lives on the line.

[@johnwayneeverett6263]

OUR LORD WAS AND IS ALWAYS WITH THEM ...IN 1977 I WORKED SIDE BY SIDE IN UTAHS NEW POWER PLANT ....ONE GUY HAD HIS EARS MELTED FROM FUEL ON THE SEA ON FIRE AFTER THE SHIP WENT DOWN ...THEY ARE THE BEST PEOPLE GENERATION ...THEY LIVED IN THE DEPRESSION .....HARD WORKERS YET GIVERS ...THEY KNOW THE TRUTH LOVE PEACE...

[@user-ff2iz5qc6l]

Harry Ferrier and Burt Ernst were part of VT8 (Torpedo 8 Squadron) from the USS Hornet. They and the other crews that flew from Midway Island were the first to fly the TBF (later TBM) Avengers in combat. Harry and Burt and the rest of VT8 that didn’t fly during Midway would end up on Guadalcanal as part of the Cactus Airforce. Their story about VT8 was written about in the book A Dawn Like Thunder.

[@jerrytee2688]

You were all heroes brother.

[@jazzandbluesculturalherita2547]

Yes, Harry, you experienced what many others who had someone praying for them experienced, an angel, perhaps your guardian angel, or even the spirit of Jesus Christ himself, was with you. There are spiritual beings all around us; they don't always interact with us, though they are indeed there. Either you or a loved one or even just someone who was impressed to pray for you in the moment by the spirit of God, did pray for you, and you felt the presence and comfort of this spiritual being. Thanks be to God for his lovingkindness and protection to us!

[@Beatboxbizboy]

Im gonna show this to my history class! HI Mrs.Schmidt!

[@whirlybird3189]

The more you dig into midway, because of the 2019 movie, the more you find out, because of survivor interviews. These guys had no combat experience at all. The prevailing doctrine was always: go out and get a hit! God bless these men...

[@cheesenoodles8316]

The greatest generation.

[@australianmade2659]

Thank you 🇦🇺

[@bighashgang1990]

We sent boys to do a mans job, and they ended up doing the job of true hero's

[@jcjc9155]

Was trying to find information on his wife. Out of curiosity. I saw she died way before him. Which is horrible given the what he had already been through. What did she die from? If anyone reading this knows. Did he re marry? Info on any details pertaining to his private life seems rather lacking. If anyone sees this and knows anything be it tomorrow or 10 years from now.

[@sah-nae]

I'm not sure I also researched information on Richard Halsey best 1st wife but I couldn't find much info on her either . Although she was heavily portrayed in the movie Midway . Not sure what happened to his wife either but I too am curious.

[@jaywinters2483]

Somebody was praying for you:...”there is a Friend that stickerh closet than a brother”.... the Lord Jesus Christ.

[@alansmlth7989]

Amen to that.

[@alansmlth7989]

To have come back alone and live that old to tell your story ,i would say Jesus was there with you and you had a praying family.

[@splatm4n8]

What the hell were these guys thinking, they should have done an hour long interview of this guy! Such a big mistake

[@boomer7485]

God bless you Sir.