Gillespie’s interest in the project was sparked by a visit to his 88 year old friend, VMSB-243 pilot Harold “Clem” Clemetsen, also of East Lansing, who served in the squadron on the island of Emirau in 1944. “When Harold shared with me the vast collection of photos that he took, as well as a great photographic portfolio taken by the squadron’s information officer, I saw a story that simply had to be told, shared and preserved,” states Gillespie.

His goal is to have the site completed by the end of August 2007 and to continue “building” it based on stories and additional photos shared with him. “It’s an evolving thing which at this point is taking on a life of its own,” notes Gillespie. “I can’t even begin to tell you what a pleasure it is to have already begun hearing from squadron members and their loved ones. It’s as if I’m bringing everyone back together again. However now, thanks to the wonders of the internet, it’s not just for a short time in history—it’s forever.”