Lexington sacrifice remembered by township

THE bond between Australia and the United States was obvious at yesterday’s Battle of the Coral Sea commemoration in Cardwell.

But nowhere did brighter than with Cracknell. it shine JoAnn

Ms Cracknell has lived in Australia for 33 years as a dual citizen and has called Cardwell home for 14 years.

Dressed in a red, white and blue sequined hat and vest, Ms Cracknell was proudly representing her family and more specifically her father-in-law Admiral Howard “Duke” Dueker at the 75th anniversary memorial service.

Captain Dueker, as he was ranked during World War II, was the doctor sent on to the ill-fated USS Lexington during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942 to treat some of the wounded.

“He flew in and flew them out before it sank,” Ms Cracknell said.

“They had asked that the wounded stay on board and he said he wouldn’t leave without taking survivors because he thought that he could save their lives.

“He did and many lasted well after the war.”

Ms Cracknell said her family history’s meant she had a special connection with Cardwell. Her late husband was a captain in the Special Forces in the Vietnam War and was wounded twice. He previously laid the wreaths for the USS Lexington for his dad.

“He was absolutely amazed that this was where his dad was and the only real full-size memorial to the Coral Sea battle,” Ms Cracknell said.

“Without the American Navy and Air Force coming in, we wouldn’t be speaking English because this was the change in the war in the Pacific.”