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George H. Gay Jr.
Ensign (rank), Ensign (later Lieutenant Commander) George Henry Gay Jr. (March 8, 1917 – October 21, 1994) was a Douglas TBD Devastator pilot in United States Navy VT-8, Torpedo Squadron 8 operating from the aircraft carrier in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, 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. Early years George Henry Gay Jr. was born on March 8, 1917, in Waco, Texas. He attended school in both Austin, Texas, Austin and Houston before enrolling at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). World War II Like millions of Americans at the time, Gay chose to sign up for the coming war, leaving Texas A&M University. He tried to join the United States Army Air Corps, Army Air Corps as a pilot but was rejected for medical reasons. He then tried the United States Navy in early 1941. Gay completed flight training and w ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Waco, Texas
Waco ( ) is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city had a 2020 population of 138,486, making it the 22nd-most populous city in the state. The 2021 U.S. Census population estimate for the city was 139,594. The Waco metropolitan statistical area consists of McLennan and Falls counties, which had a 2010 population of 234,906. Falls County was added to the Waco MSA in 2013. The 2021 U.S. census population estimate for the Waco metropolitan area was 280,428. History 1824–1865 Indigenous peoples occupied areas along the river for thousands of years. In historic times, the area of present-day Waco was occupied by the Wichita Indian tribe known as the "Waco" (Spanish: ''Hueco'' or ''Huaco''). In 1824, Thomas M. Duke was sent to explore the area after violence erupted between the Waco people and the European settlers. His report to Stephen F. Austin, described the Waco ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
