GEORGE H. GAY SOLE SURVIVOR TORPEDO SQUADRON EIGHT

GEORGE H. GAY SOLE SURVIVOR TORPEDO SQUADRON EIGHT
George Henry Gay Jr. (1917 - 1994) A Douglas TBD Devastator pilot in United States Navy Torpedo Squadron 8 operating from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Of the 30 VT-8 aircrew from Hornet that participated in the pivotal Battle of Midway, Ensign Gay was the sole survivor. Typed letter signed on his Midway 8 letterhead, Naples, Florida, August 11, 1979, 1 page, 11 x 8.5 in., in part: 'I did fully appreciate what we had done that day. My concern, until I talked with Adm. Nimitz, was what they might have done to us. The Admirals inteligence [sic] was very good but he was obviously pleased to have my verification. He was not aware that we had, in fact, sunk those carriers...Please understand that I am not trying to evade your questions. I simply feel sure that the book will answer them.' Signed in blue ink at conclusion. With a note attached by paperclip 'Guess I goofed. One of these days I gota [sic] get organized.' Signed again 'George' in black ink. Very good.