Newton Burdick Jr.

Seventy years after the end of World War II, five Southwest Florida veterans share their experiences, including 99-year-old retired Lieutenant Commander Newton Burdick Junior. He entered the US Navy as a young soldier after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Naples resident was skilled in mapping coastlines that helped guide invasions against the Japanese while serving under the leadership of General Douglas McArthur. He remembers all too well what it was like being present at the signing of the surrender of Japan on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. He says America’s might was borne out of the commitment of its leaders, a lesson that has stayed with him all his life.