Bob Begin - "SACRIFICE: OKINAWA, KAMIKAZES and the USS BUNKER HILL- May 11, 1945"

This Event was Rescheduled from 1-16-24.

This is a story of sacrifice and a piece of our history that is worth retelling. Bob will be examining this battle from both sides – discussing the mindset of a Kamikaze Pilot, including what beliefs convinced these men to undertake a mission which results in certain death? He will also focus on the total influence that the Emperor had over every citizen and all facets of life in Japan during the Pacific Campaign. This power would increase significantly as American forces were nearing victory at Okinawa which was closest to the Japanese homeland.

For Americans at Okinawa, the struggle was unprecedented, not only on land but also on the waters around the island. Kamikaze attacks would sink or damage over 60 American destroyers. US Navy casualties were the highest of the war. On a personal note, Bob’s uncle (through marriage) served on the USS Bunker Hill during this battle, and he has family documents to share from this period.

Lt. ( jg ) Alexander Domonkos, was born in Bridgeport, Ct. on Dec 6, 1920. He attended Yale School of Fine Arts prior to World War Two, and enlisted in the Navy in March, 1942. He served as a dive bomber pilot on the USS Bunker Hill during attacks on Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and first attacks upon Tokyo. He had a distinguished naval career and received two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. Following the end of WW II, he returned to Yale and graduated with honors. He joined The Famous Artists School International and was a colleague of Norman Rockwell. Al became a Vice President of the school and established branch schools in Japan, the Netherlands, and Monaco. Following retirement, he taught at Sacred Heart University and local Senior Centers. He died in 2012.

This event is sponsored by the Library Foundation of Needham.