2008 Woodie Awards
Ace McCollum - Local World War II Veteran
Heather Flores
Posted in: News on 5/6/08 at 1:57 PM PST
Every morning 85 year-old Lomita resident, Ace McCollum, walks his rounds in a neighborhood watch. This particular neighbor doesn't miss a beat and his devoted interest in community safety is not in the least bit dissuaded by his elderly status. In fact, "Ace" as everyone knows him, is sincerely adored in the neighborhood for his spunky, firecracker personality, and straightforward demeanor.
Actually, Ace is one of the few remaining battle tested survivors of the WWII air-craft carrier the USS Enterprise CV-6. Although most people are unaware of the significance of the USS Enterprise in WWII, the History Channel recently featured what this decorated veteran and his distinguished fellow servicemen valiantly endured.
In contrasts to the familiarity of their small town upbringing in the rural America of the 1940's, Ace and his twin brother A.Z. McCollum joined the Navy in 1941. The two young men were stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the brothers adapted quickly to their new lives in the Navy.
Tour of duty assignments for both brothers would have them serve on the USS Enterprise. Ace says that his duty as a "sight setter" posted him on a five inch anti-aircraft gun in the first division, up front on the starboard side of the vessel. His twin brother was positioned on another five inch anti-aircraft gun as a "hot-shell man-catcher" located on the port side, toward the rear of the ship. Engaged in the Pacific theatre of the warfront, the USS Enterprise and its servicemen confronted numerous battles with the enemy.
On the battle of August 24th, 1942, Ace's life was changed forever. During the moments of mayhem and horror, two separate Japanese bombs exploded aboard port and starboard areas of the ship. One bomb explosion severely injuring Ace: the other bomb killing A.Z.
After recuperating in a hospital for seven months, Ace McCollum was eventually released on a medical discharge. Ace is highly decorated with medals and proud to be a veteran, but in intimate conversation he is still bereaved over the loss of his twin brother. With a twinkle of light and distance in his eyes he says "I think about him every day".
In a period where the relevance of "meaning" and terms like "values" has been deemed subjective, arbitrary, and relative, Ace McCollum brings to mind a true sense of honor and pride within his Lomita community. His life represents the sacrifices that our elders and veterans have made in dedication to our nation and its future generations. In a society where celebrity follies, advertising, and more mundane melodramas, get more broadcast time than current events, Ace's dutiful activities as the neighborhood watch are comforting: moreover, he reminds each of about this generation of our Nation's fighting servicemen and servicewomen.
Actually, Ace is one of the few remaining battle tested survivors of the WWII air-craft carrier the USS Enterprise CV-6. Although most people are unaware of the significance of the USS Enterprise in WWII, the History Channel recently featured what this decorated veteran and his distinguished fellow servicemen valiantly endured.
In contrasts to the familiarity of their small town upbringing in the rural America of the 1940's, Ace and his twin brother A.Z. McCollum joined the Navy in 1941. The two young men were stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the brothers adapted quickly to their new lives in the Navy.
Tour of duty assignments for both brothers would have them serve on the USS Enterprise. Ace says that his duty as a "sight setter" posted him on a five inch anti-aircraft gun in the first division, up front on the starboard side of the vessel. His twin brother was positioned on another five inch anti-aircraft gun as a "hot-shell man-catcher" located on the port side, toward the rear of the ship. Engaged in the Pacific theatre of the warfront, the USS Enterprise and its servicemen confronted numerous battles with the enemy.
On the battle of August 24th, 1942, Ace's life was changed forever. During the moments of mayhem and horror, two separate Japanese bombs exploded aboard port and starboard areas of the ship. One bomb explosion severely injuring Ace: the other bomb killing A.Z.
After recuperating in a hospital for seven months, Ace McCollum was eventually released on a medical discharge. Ace is highly decorated with medals and proud to be a veteran, but in intimate conversation he is still bereaved over the loss of his twin brother. With a twinkle of light and distance in his eyes he says "I think about him every day".
In a period where the relevance of "meaning" and terms like "values" has been deemed subjective, arbitrary, and relative, Ace McCollum brings to mind a true sense of honor and pride within his Lomita community. His life represents the sacrifices that our elders and veterans have made in dedication to our nation and its future generations. In a society where celebrity follies, advertising, and more mundane melodramas, get more broadcast time than current events, Ace's dutiful activities as the neighborhood watch are comforting: moreover, he reminds each of about this generation of our Nation's fighting servicemen and servicewomen.
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