Commando Edition 17 2023

Australian War Memorial. The Ambassador reaffirmed
the strength of the US - Australia alliance and
expressed her gratitude for the service and sacrifice of
Australians during World War II, highlighting the
Coastwatchers, who played a critical role in rescuing
President John F. Kennedy after his patrol torpedo
boat was destroyed.
Ambassador Kennedy met Ms. Eve Ash, daughter
of Australian World War II veteran Mr. Ronald (Dixie)
George Lee, and Mr. Tom Burrowes, son of veteran Mr.
James Burrowes OAM, at the Australian War Memorial.
Mr. Lee and Mr. Burrowes joined the meeting virtually
from the US Consulate in Melbourne.
In their meeting, Ambassador Kennedy said “It was
a great honour to meet two Australian Coastwatchers,
who played an essential role in keeping the region
secure during World War II. I owe personal gratitude to
an Australian Coastwatcher and two Solomon Islander
scouts who saved my father’s life. These men represent
the best of their generation and are an amazing
example of the bonds of the US-Australia alliance.”
General Mark Milley said, “I was deeply honoured
to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony with
Ambassador Kennedy and meet a few Australian
Coastwatchers. The US - Australia alliance remains just
as strong as when we fought side-by-side more than 70
years ago. The World War II generation of Americans
and Australians bequeathed us a set of freedoms, and
we have an obligation today to uphold their sacrifices”.
Australian World War II veteran Mr. Ronald (Dixie)
George Lee, via Zoom from the US Consulate in
Melbourne, said, “The event was a very special and
personal acknowledgement by Ambassador Kennedy
and the US government of the role we had as Aussie
Coastwatchers eight decades ago. I am proud at 98 to
meet Her Excellency and share Coastwatcher stories.
The time I spent in the Solomons and other locations
as a Coastwatcher is as vivid today as it was then. It has
been an honour to participate in this memorial event”.
‘Dixie’ Lee’s comrade, Australian World War II
veteran Mr. James Burrowes OAM, said, “It was an
amazing experience to meet with Ambassador
Caroline Kennedy and extremely pleasing to speak
with her during the commemorative wreath-laying. As
a Coastwatcher, I have long been aware of the role
played by the Australian and Solomon Islander
Coastwatchers Reg Evans, Biuku Gasa and Eroni
Kumana in rescuing then Lieutenant John F. Kennedy
and his crew after their Patrol Torpedo Boat was cut in
two by a Japanese destroyer. So I was honoured to
receive the Ambassador’s kind acknowledgement of
our coast watching role in the war and recognition of
our rescue of the future President”.
Dixie Lee’s daughter, Eve Ash, said, “Our wonderful
new US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy has shone a
very personal light on the special role of Australian
Coastwatchers in World War II. I was privileged to
meet her and General Milley and to lay a wreath on
behalf of my father, one of the last surviving
Coastwatchers. The tour of the Australian War
Memorial was very moving. No doubt Ambassador
Kennedy will strengthen and bring warmth to the close
bond between our two countries”.
Tom Burrowes, present with Eve Ash at the
Australian War Memorial, said, “I am truly humbled to
represent my Coastwatcher father Jim Burrowes on this
specific commemoration to the Coastwatchers with our
US allies and with such a personal connection. The
bravery and sacrifice of the Coastwatchers is inspiring
to the next two generations of Australians who have
enjoyed relative peace and prosperity. We express our
deep gratitude and indeed, ‘I dips me lid’! And Lest
We Forget.”
Ambassador Kennedy presented Ms. Ash (on behalf
of Dixie Lee) and Mr. Burrowes with replicas of the
coconut shell that President Kennedy used to send a
rescue message following the destruction of his patrol
torpedo boat, PT-109.
Ambassador Kennedy, General Milley, Ms. Ash, and
Mr. Burrowes then participated in the Last Post
Ceremony and laid a wreath at the Pool of Reflection.
A replica of the coconut shell that President Kennedy used to send
a rescue message. The engraved message reads, “ON NAURO ISL
COMMANDER . . . NATIVE KNOWS POS'IT . . . HE CAN PILOT . .
11 ALIVE NEED SMALL BOAT . . . KENNEDY”.
Photo: John F. Kennedy Library.
oOo
Ronald (Dixie) Lee, left, and Jim Burrowes examine the replica
coconut shells that carried John F. Kennedy’s message.
Photo: John F. Kennedy Library.
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36 COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 17 I 2023