8 May, 2018
Richard R. Brault Experienced the Beach Assault of Okinawa in April 1945
The Battle of Okinawa was the last conflict of World War II, and the largest battle of the Pacific Theater. 12.5 thousand Americans were lost (KIA) among a total of 82 thousand casualties including non-battle casualties. During the battle, the world was anticipating an ensuing assault of Japan's home islands. It never happened. The war ended abruptly with the dropping of two atomic bombs.
There were two-dozen Hopkinton servicemen involved with the Battle Of Okinawa; Brault is the last survivor.
On Friday, 4 May 2018, Hopkinton veterans at the Senior Center Vets Breakfast honored Marine Richard Brault for his participation in the Pacific war. Brault saw action on Tinian, Saipan, Okinawa, and the occupation of Japan. Fellow Marines in attendance presented Brault with beach sand representing the western shore of Okinawa near landing beach Red 1 where Brault made his entry onto the island. Also, the honored Marine was given a piece of coral from the base of the Suicide Cliff of Okinawa now called Peace Memorial Park. Earlier in the war, Brault witnessed effects of a Suicide Cliff on Saipan.
The sand and coral which were the highlights of the ceremony were donated by the Oliver family of Hopkinton. In December 2017, Emily and Douglas Oliver visited their son Charles who is a Marine 1st Lieutenant stationed on Okinawa. Their touring included visits to the assault beach and the southerly cliffs.
Pictured with Marine Brault are those who ensured the success of the ceremony for the full-house of mostly veterans enjoying the monthly breakfast. Left-to-Right: C. Pat Lynch (USMC, Korean Conflict, 1953), Robert J. Lavoie (USMC, WW II, Iwo Jima), sitting, holding the piece of coral, Richard R. Brault (USMC, WW II, Tinian, Saipan, Okinawa, Japan), Douglas J. Oliver with the representative sand (USMC "parental"), Robert Hoskins (USMC, WW II), and Michael Whalen (USMC, Viet Nam era, communications specialist including at the Pentagon).
Questions re the Vets Breakfast, call the Hopkinton Senior Center, 508 497-9730.
