The Açores and My Dad

The Acores played a pivotal role in the Atlantic theater, aiding in the successful outcome for the Allies in World War II. The islands held significant strategic importance primarily due to their location in the Atlantic Ocean. That is, the Azores' central position in the Atlantic Ocean made them an essential location for controlling the Atlantic air and sea routes. This was crucial for the Allies in terms of both defense and logistics.

The Allies, particularly the British and later the Americans, used the Acores as a base for anti-submarine warfare and for refueling transatlantic flights. Establishing a presence there helped protect convoys from German U-boat attacks. 

Portugal, under the leadership of António de Oliveira Salazar, maintained a stance of neutrality during most of the war. However, Portugal allowed the British to set up military bases in the Azores following negotiations, which were critical for the Allied operations.

The United States established bases in the Acores starting in 1943 and used the bases primarily for air operations, providing significant support for the air and naval campaigns against the Axis powers.

During this time, the Azores were not only strategically important but also served as a rest and recuperation site for Allied soldiers, including Americans. The islands provided a more relaxed environment away from the front lines where soldiers could rest, recover, and prepare before returning to duty.

On a personal note, my father, Spence Ledford, served four straight years without going home, in the Army Infantry in World War II. On his death bed, at 79 in 1994, he asked me where the Azores were. I didn’t know and, frankly dismissed that question, mired in grief. It was until this recent trip that I realized there was a US military base on Terceira Island. Now I know. 

We hired a driver on the Island, and I asked him to take me to the Base. He pulled the car on a road above the Base for a more expansive view. 

Looking down, I wondered how my dad had felt resting on Terceira Island, no idea where he was in the world and never finding out, his entire life.

Suddenly, with no warning, my heart swelled, filling with a familiar grief that has stayed with me for over 30 years. I saw my dad's face in my mind’s eye. He smiled at me.

And just as quickly, my heart filled with joy, knowing I could see exactly where he had been, resting after hand-to-hand combat, fighting for his country and his life.

I saw him, I felt him, and nearly smelled his faint Old Spice Cologne.

He was there with me. We were together. Again.

I sobbed with gratitude.