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| Ensign Edward Cloues was killed when the Japanese bombed the USS Arizona depicted in this paining by Tom Freeman. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56117963 http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/05/20/features/story5.html |
Edward Blanchard Cloues never had a chance to reach 100 years old on Christmas Day. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on December 25, 1917 in New Hampshire. His parents Alfred and Hattie were both born in Massachusetts. His father worked as a lumber mill manager and later as a postmaster. Still later he was the treasurer for Merrimack County. Edward had two younger brothers, the younger of which served in the army during World War 2. By 1940 Edward had graduated from the US Naval Academy.
Ensign Cloues was assigned to serve on the USS Arizona and arrived on station on June 29, 1940. On the first weekend of December 1941, Ensign Cloues had earned leave in Honolulu. He traded with another ensign and stayed onboard. As is well known, on December 7, 1941 Arizona was mortally struck by a devastating dive bombing attack when a Japanese bomb penetrated its deck and exploded the forward magazine. Ensign Cloues battle station was in one of the gun turrets. He was likely killed in the massive explosion since his body was never found. His family probably spent Christmas 1941, and Edward's birthday, with the unconfirmed knowledge that Edward would not be coming home.
The destroyer escort USS Cloues was named after him. It was christened by his mother on August 10, 1943.
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| USS Cloues http://www.navsource.org/archives/06/images/265/0626505.jpg |
Edward remains entombed in the USS Arizona. His name is listed on the Tablet of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
With our enemies vanquished we must gird ourselves for the work that lies ahead. Peace has its victories no less hard won than success at arms. We must not fail or falter. We must strive without ceasing to make real the prophecy of Isaiah: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
In this day, whether it be far or near, the Kingdoms of this world shall become indeed the Kingdom of God and He will reign forever and ever, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. With that message I wish my countrymen a Merry Christmas and joyous days in the New Year.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Join the public Facebook group WW2 Fallen 100
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