War Tugs | World War II Tug Boat Documentary

Tug Boats of the second world war not only had to forge the same seas as battle ships and face the same horrors, but they did it multiple times a day. Heading into battle mid-fight while under fire, these ships would sail into hell to retrieve broken down ships left helpless in the water. Richard Wallace, now a 95 year old veteran of WW2 recalls his experiences in battle and takes a look back at what he saw. Richard served his country in WW2 in the US Navy aboard the USS Arikara (AT-98) as a Motor Machinist, Mate First Class. He was one of the rare veterans of WW2 who served his country in both Operation Overlord (D-Day) and in the battle of Okinawa. D-Day being the more well known storming and capture of Normandy Beach, and the Battle of Okinawa being the single deadliest battle of WW2 for the United States. After the war, Richard continued his life at sea working for Pennsylvania RR and then Mobil Corp as a Chief Engineer on sea going tugboats. He created a large and loving family with his wife, Florence. When talking of their 51 years of marriage, Richard said this time was still not enough with her. Having passed away on March 20, 2020, Richard is missed by his 12 children, 30 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren who loved and admired him. After being delayed due to Covid-19 protocols, Richard received his Military Funeral Honors on May 27, 2021.