On the morning of May 11, 1945, USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) was setting up their planes on the flight deck, fueling them for another land support operation for the troops on Okinawa. Max was at his battle station, manning the aircraft carrier's guns as bogies were reported in the area. It was a false alarm and the sailors and marines went back to their morning routines. Fresh fruit had finally been served for breakfast that morning after a long period without them. At 1005, local time, a Japanese zero was seen darting through the light overcast of clouds. It came directly for the Bunker Hill, possibly for revenge for sinking the Yamato. The Zero dropped its 550-pound bomb which crashed through the side of the carrier and landed in the water. The bomb then exploded killing the men on the side of the carrier, manning the guns. Max was most likely there. If the bomb did not kill him, the Zero did. It crashed right into the flight deck, where all the fueled-up planes were waiting for takeoff. Soon after, a second Zero came streaking in, this time crashing into the carrier's bridge and deck. 392 sailors and marines died as a result of the two kamikazes that day. The fallen sailors and marines who were not lost were buried at sea the next day. Captain Seitz wrote to Max's father, explaining that Max likely died painlessly, and he was the type of blue jacket the Navy needed. He was well-liked among his fellow shipmates and officers.
Max, thank you for your sacrifice.
- Hudson
Max, thank you for your sacrifice.
- Hudson
On the morning of May 11, 1945, USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) was setting up their planes on the flight deck, fueling them for another land support operation for the troops on Okinawa. Max was at his battle station, manning the aircraft carrier's guns as bogies were reported in the area. It was a false alarm and the sailors and marines went back to their morning routines. Fresh fruit had finally been served for breakfast that morning after a long period without them. At 1005, local time, a Japanese zero was seen darting through the light overcast of clouds. It came directly for the Bunker Hill, possibly for revenge for sinking the Yamato. The Zero dropped its 550-pound bomb which crashed through the side of the carrier and landed in the water. The bomb then exploded killing the men on the side of the carrier, manning the guns. Max was most likely there. If the bomb did not kill him, the Zero did. It crashed right into the flight deck, where all the fueled-up planes were waiting for takeoff. Soon after, a second Zero came streaking in, this time crashing into the carrier's bridge and deck. 392 sailors and marines died as a result of the two kamikazes that day. The fallen sailors and marines who were not lost were buried at sea the next day. Captain Seitz wrote to Max's father, explaining that Max likely died painlessly, and he was the type of blue jacket the Navy needed. He was well-liked among his fellow shipmates and officers.
Max, thank you for your sacrifice.
- Hudson
Max, thank you for your sacrifice.
- Hudson
Inscription
EAKEN MAX E
SEAMAN 2C USNR OHIO
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Ohio.
