I am always struck by how young my father was when he entered the service. He was just 18 and most likely had never ventured far from the City of Detroit before he donned a naval uniform and headed into the Pacific Theater. My dad always talked about his World War II service with awe and reverence. He was so grateful to the men with whom he served - particularly those with more experience - who took a kid from Detroit under their wings and helped him through one of the most epic, cataclysmic events in history.

It is a privilege to honor my father.

- Michele McElmurry Fecht