Traces of Battle:
Service in the Pacific War
TSgt Nace Formagus, USMC
Veteran of the Pacific War from World War II, as memorialized by his son Dr. Nace Formagus Jr.
Embedded Files
Dr. Nace Formagus Jr. Remembers His Father's Life and Service
TSgt Nace Formagus
United States Marine Corps
World War II (Asiatic-Pacific Campaign—Pacific War)
January 19, 1942–April 7, 1946
VMB-243, 1st MAW, FMF
(Marine Bomber Squadron 243, 1st Marine Air Wing, Fleet Marine Force)
VMB-243, 4th MAW, FMF
(Marine Bomber Squadron 243, 4th Marine Air Wing, Fleet Marine Force)
VMF-218 (Marine Fighter Squadron 218)
Accredited to Port Arthur, Texas
"… he never talked about any of it, but we always knew that it was here."
Dr. Formagus Jr. on His Father's Wartime Photographic Diary
See TSgt Formagus' wartime photographic diary in full, here below:
A Man of Character
Dr. Formagus Jr. on His Father's Diary and USMC Officer Candidates' School Graduation Photo
"… it has blood on it… but Dad was always mindful of this, and he would always tell us, 'now don't wash this…'"
Dr. Formagus Jr. Exhibits Yosegaki Hinomarus Brought Home by His Father
Click here to learn more about Japanese World War II Yosegaki Hinomarus taken into battle. (Courtesy of the National Army Museum, United Kingdom)
Dr. Formagus Jr. Exhibits Wartime Swords and Artifacts Brought Home by His Father
Click here to learn more about Japanese World War II swords that were either taken off the battlefield or surrendered to the Allies at the end of the war. (Courtesy of the Imperial War Museums, United Kingdom)
VMF-218 squadron patch.
TSgt Formagus' burial flag.
Military Order of the World Wars
The Military Order of the World Wars serves our nation and local communities by providing and supporting activities that promote and encourage responsible citizenship, patriotism, youth leadership, military and public service, veteran support, and strong national security.
Click here to learn more here about MOWW and to consider joining its ranks.
In partnership with
This exhibit is part of the Dallas Chapter MOWW Gallantry & Service Museum. Click the museum logo below to experience more stories of courage in battle, and faithful service to our nation.
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