A native islander who changed the course of world history 64 years ago was finally honored. "Eroni Kumana came across a shipwrecked U.S. Navy crew deep behind Japanese lines and paddled 60 km to get them help, carrying a message carved into a coconut by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy. Two years after the rescue Kennedy was assassinated, "I mourned for a whole week upon hearing of my friend’s death," Mr Kumana said. U.S. Navy photo by Patrick D. House shows Sec. of the Navy presenting Eroni Kumana with the flag from USS Peleliu for his courageous efforts more than 60 years ago. (Stuff.co.nz)
I’d never before heard of this rescue, wow! So glad he’s being honored, that’s awesome!