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In Memory

Elwood Lindsay - Class of 1936

Lieutenant Elwood Q Lindsay, son of Mr. and Mrs. J Clarence Lindsay of Dingle, has been reported missing in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country, from telegraphic information received Monday by his parents from T Holcomb, Lieutenant General U. S. M. C.

Lieutenant Lindsay entered the service in September 1940 for preliminary training and was called to Pensacola in February 1941, where he took his training as a pilot and received his wings in December of that year.  The complete telegram follows: "Deeply regret to inform you that you son, Second Lieutenant Elwood Q Lindsay, US Marine Corps Reserve, has been missing in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.  The commandant appreciates your great anxiety and will furnish you further information promptly when received.  To prevent possible aid to our enemies, please do not divulge the name of hi ship or station."
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The Montpelier Examiner, June 10, 1943

MISSING MAN IS OFFICIALLY DECLARED DEAD

First Lieutenant Elwood Q Lindsay, US Marine Corps Reserve, son of Mr. and Mrs. J Clarence Lindsay of Dingle, has been officially declared dead as of June 5, 1943 according to information received by his parents from T Holcomb, lieutenant general, USMC. commandant, US Marie Corps.  Lieutenant Lindsay was place on the roll of those missing following the battle of Midway, in which he engaged as a pilot of a fighter plane.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1940 and received his preliminary training at Port Angles.  He was called to Pensacola February 16, 1941 and began his training as a pilot, receiving his wings October 14, 1941.  He visited his parents a short while after graduation and was assigned to overseas duty shortly thereafter.  He was born in Dingle October 20, 1918.  In 1935 he graduated from the Montpelier high school and completed all but two terms of his college work at the USAC before enlisting.

Surviving, in addition to his parents are one sister, Gloria Lindsay of Salt Lake, and a brother Gilbert Moore Lindsay of Dingle.  The telegram from Marine Corps Commandant follows:  "Your son Lieutenant Elwood Q Lindsay having been carried as missing in action for one year without receipt of any report of any kind, has now been officially declared dead as of June 5, 1943.  Please accept my heartfelt sympathies."
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The Montpelier Examiner, July 15, 1943

AWARDS SENT PARENTS FOR HEROISM OF SON

Received This Week by Parents of Elwood Q Lindsay

The Navy Cross was citation to First Lieutenant Elwood Q Lindsay of the Marine Corps Reserve, recently pronounced death in action in the Midway Islands in June 1942, was received this week by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J Clarence Lindsay of Dingle.  Lt. Lindsay was a pilot on a fighter plane.  In addition to this outstanding honor, Lt. Lindsay was awarded the Purple Heart certificate, established by General George Washington at Newburg, New York, August 7, 1782, and the American Defense Service Medal for service during the emergency and the Asiatic Pacific campaign medal for service in the Pacific.

The citation for the heroic conduct of Lt. Lindsay read as follows: "For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a pilot on Marine fighting squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway June 4, 1942.  Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighting planes, First Lieutenant Lindsay, then second lieutenant, aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessoning the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces.  He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."