REHOBOTH BEACH -- On Dec. 28, 1942, Capt. William Massey -- a 17-year-old Sea Scout at the time -- was on Christmas vacation, hanging out at Snyder's newsstand and soda fountain because, as he put it, that was the only thing to do at the time.
Above the ocean, Civil Air Patrol planes, stationed at the Rehoboth Airport, were flying over the Atlantic on the lookout for Nazi submarines, and Massey and a few friends decided to watch them.
It so happened that one of the planes was testing out new flares, which would be used to notify the masses should a pilot happen to spot a submarine.
The next thing Massey knew, the plane crashed into the ocean, and it was up to him and a fellow Scout to try to save the pilot.
After a few attempts to get accustomed to the cold water, they swam out to the plane, which was nearly two-thirds submerged into the ocean, pulled the pilot out of the plane and brought him back to shore. As soon as they arrived on shore, the Coast Guard took over with the injured pilot, who suffered a broken back from the crash.
The gold medal Massey received by the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a letter of accommodation from the Boy Scouts of America Delmarva president at the time, are just a few of the items in the spotlight at a new exhibit detailing Rehoboth's history in World War II, now on display at the Rehoboth Beach Museum.
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society teamed up with the state's Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs to develop the exhibit, which opened last month and examines the effects of World War II on Rehoboth Beach residents who served in harm's way, as well as those who contributed to the war effort at home.
The exhibit features stories, photographs, mementos and artifacts on loan from the state and donated by community members.
"Because we were a coastal town, every aspect of life was really affected," said Nancy Alexander, executive director of the RBHS. "People were really cognizant of the fact that there were submarines in the Atlantic Ocean."
Massey said he was impressed by the exhibit.
"I think it would show people some of the things that took place here in Rehoboth when World War II started," he said. "(It's nice) to let people know how we actually existed here in this area and how we had to survive during the war."
The exhibit will be open through March 2013.
The museum is holding a fundraising dinner this week in which the food served will be inspired by recipes from the 1940s. The menu for the evening, prepared by Chef Jen Blakemen and team, includes bread and butter, meat loaf, savory herb bread pudding, fresh vegetables and Rice Krispie treats.
IF YOU GO REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM WORLD WAR II EXHIBIT
Where: 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays;
11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends
Cost: $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens, military personnel and students; $2 for children ages 13-17; and free for members of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and children under 12
Call: 302-227-7310
No comments:
Post a Comment