Buzzin Cousins Meet for First Time in Guadalcanal Foxhole by - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

Buzzin Cousins Meet for First Time in Guadalcanal Foxhole

By ,
November 12, 2014 at 11:32am. Views: 181

GUADALCANAL, SOLOMON ISLANDS, OCT- 4TH, 1942. (AP) – When the air raid siren sounded, Lieutenant David L. Gaede of Columbus, Ohio, dived into a foxhole. The aviator landed smack on top of a navy officer who already taken shelter there. “Sorry," grinned the first man. “My name is David L. Gaede.” The second officer grinned and stuck out his hand. “So is mine. I am Lieutenant Commander David C. Gaede of Coronado, California.” The men were first cousins, but had never met before. The photograph depicts the two David Gaedes as they recount the circumstance of how they initially met during the war in the Pacific, for the media of the day. Like so many American cousins, the two grew up apart, even though they shared the same grandfather. Both Lieutenant Commander David C. Gaede and 1LT David L. Gaede were sons of Seventh Day Adventist ministers. Seeking religious freedom, each father immigrated to America from Europe to a Mennonite community in Hillsboro, Kansas. Arriving in America at the age of 15, young David C. Gaede could not speak English, but caught on quickly. He graduated from the University of Nebraska and ultimately earned his medical degree at Northwestern. Upon earning his Navy commission, he attended the newly formed Army Air Corps Flight Surgeon School and was assigned to the USS Langley, our nation's initial aircraft carrier. Ten years later, Lieutenant Commander Gaede, now Chief Flight Surgeon of the newly formed First Marine Aircraft Wing, was assigned to the Island of Guadalcanal in the Solomons. The two David Gaedes would meet during that campaign. Ultimately, 7,000 Americans would be killed on the island to include losses of 29 ships and 615 aircraft. The six-month battle and eventual allied victory marked the end of the Japanese advance in the Western Pacific. David L. Gaede attended his beloved Ohio State University, class of 1940, and earned his wings and flew as the navigator of the B-17 Flying Fortress. 1LT David L. Gaede was assigned to Hickam Field in the Hawaiian Islands. On Dec. 7, 1941, during the attack, 1LT Gaede ran toward his B-17 in pajamas and was strafed by gun-fire from the Japanese zeros above. The plane’s tail section was blown off as he approached. LTC Gaede participated in the Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal and three campaigns in the Solomons. Gaede flew 60 combat missions over Korea. He earned a Silver Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals and two Purple Hearts. Rear Admiral David C. Gaede earned many awards to include the Legion of Merit. He passed in 1977. His son, LTC Rex D. Gaede USAF, Ret., of Brea, chose second cousin, LTC David L. Gaede to be the best man at his wedding in 1957. LTC David L. Gaede was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, June 25, 2014, age 95. He is survived by local cousins LTC Rex D. Gaede, USAF Ret., of Brea and former Army Capt. Jon D. Gaede, of Highland.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 213

Moreno Valley residents are being invited to take an active role in shaping the city’s future, by serving on one of its Boards or Commissions, Mayor Ulises announced.

Photo Courtesy of: Loma Linda University Church

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 230

The student ensemble, directed by Michael Pichette, will be presenting a vespers program featuring reflective wind and percussion music that brings together students, families, and the local community.

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Titans

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 207

Young athletes with the Grand Terrace Titans Jr. All American Football & Cheer sit together and smile for a group photo during practice, wearing team uniforms and bows, representing teamwork, confidence, and community spirit.

Cheerleading events feature cheer competition performances, where our athletes showcased their routines, teamwork, and dedication.

The football events focus on time spent together both on and off the field, competing, training, building brotherhood, and strengthening team bonds through shared experiences.

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Woman's Club

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 208

Members of the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club welcome community members during one of their Bingo Game Nights, which raise funds to support local outreach efforts while bringing residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Photo Courtesy of: Youtube: IE Pulse

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 279

Colton firefighters respond to a hazardous hydrogen‑fuel tank explosion, quickly securing the scene and preventing further danger to the surrounding neighborhood.

Photo Courtesy of: CUSM

By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 252

Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Department of Public Health

By Stella Pierce, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 253

Airbud, a tan Shepherd-mix dog, happily jumps up to play with a handler during outdoor enrichment time at the shelter, showing his energetic and playful personality.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Stella Price, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 271

Illustrative image of a happy family outdoors with one dog and one cat, both shown wearing pet insurance tags. Moreno Valley Animal Services and MetLife Pet Insurance form a unique partnership in an effort to remove adoption barriers.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Riverside, Fire Department

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 183

City of Riverside Fire Department officials and city leaders stand in front of a fire engine, cutting a red ribbon to unveil new PumpPod equipment, during an outdoor ceremony on a sunny day.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 146

An AI-rendered image showing a person wearing a hood and gloves removing a property tax payment envelope from a blue mail drop box during low light conditions.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 271

AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.

Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Angela Giacobbe, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 154

An energetic group of friends stand outdoors, smiling and embracing in a moment of connection and support. Staying proactive about health—including routine colon cancer screening—helps ensure more moments like these for years to come.

--> -->