Gadfly reporter McClendon, Navy sub rescue, Midway hero to be topics at Post 20 meeting, June 24

Gadfly journalist Sarah McClendon, the Navy's little-known submarine rescue capability, and a hero of the Battle of Midway will be discussed at a virtual meeting of the National Press Club's American Legion Post 20 on Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

Short presentations will be made by the following Post 20 members:

• Post Historian Easter Thompson will discuss the life and times of Sarah McClendon, after whom the Club's McClendon Room -- Post 20's meeting place -- is named.  An Army veteran, McClendon was Post 20 commander 1990-91,1995-96. She is the only female commander in the 102-year history of Post 20.
• Retired Navy Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, a career submarine officer, will describe the Navy's remarkable submarine rescue program and the personnel/equipment ready to deploy at any time to rescue the crew of a downed submarine of the U.S. Navy or other navies worldwide. 
• Retired physician Jim D'Angelo, founder of the International Midway Memorial Foundation, will tell the fascinating story of Lieutenant Dick Best, a Navy dive bomber pilot. Best was one of only two pilots to drop bombs on two Japanese carriers in the June 4,1942, Midway battle. Although he survived the battle and the war, it was his last mission. Dr. D'Angelo is author of the book, "Victory at Midway: The Battle That Changed the Course of World War II."

All Club members are invited to the meeting. RSVP to Post 20 Sergeant at Arms Evelyn Moy at [email protected], who will provide a meeting link. 

Post 20 was founded at the Club in 1919 at the suggestion of famed World War I General John 'Black Jack' Pershing. At the time, Pershing was serving in Washington and was an associate member of the Club.