Armed Forces Day Marked at WWII Tower

SUNSET BEACH — With Fire Control Tower 23 as a backdrop, veterans and Coast Guard recruits marked Armed Forces Day Sat., May 19.
The concrete tower, a restored monument to the fear of German submarines and other vessels that gripped the nation in the Second World War, was also the focal point after the ceremonies of a dedication of a metal sculpture eteranl flame to honor the memory of all veterans who served, not only those in the Second World War.
Among featured speakers at the morning event were Michael Zuckerman, executive director, Mid-Atlantic Center for Arts and Humanities Inc. and Sen. Jeff VanDrew (D-1st).
Following the ceremony of dedication on the boardwalk behind the tower, the vintage concrete tower was open to those who wished to climb its circular stairs about six stores over the ground. From the top, the same scene that members of the fire control tower teams saw as they scanned the bay for enemy vessels.
One of the latest additions at the historic site was the placement of mannequins on the first, fifth and sixth floors attired in actual uniforms of the 261st Coastal Artillery, which was stationed at Fort Miles and the local tower, ready for action with their “doughboy” helmets.
According to information at the tower, the unit was among the elite coastal artillery units, often ready to strike their target on the second shot.
“The assignment of this unit to Fort Miles is evidence of the high strategic importance of the Delaware Bay and River during World War II,” according to a document in the tower.