The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force's Author Talk series is proud to present Carole Engle Avriett, who will read and discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound: The Harrowing Story of Heroism in the Shark-Infested Waters of the Guadalcanal with a special introduction by Rear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle. This program will take place on Saturday, December 7^h, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.

The program is free to the public, but registration is requested https://forms.gle/75rsYoGWCsNSMzem9

About the Book:

In Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, Carole Engle Avriett brings to light the heroic yet overlooked story of the USS Gregory, a "minor" vessel in World War II that played a crucial role in the Pacific. Focusing on Lt. Commander Harry F. Bauer and Mess Attendant Charles J. French—two men from opposite ranks—Avriett captures their courage and resilience as they faced unrelenting battles to transport Marine Raiders. Through vivid storytelling, this book honors the ship's brave crew and reminds us that valor knows no rank or color, only dedication and courage.

About the Author:

Carole Engle Avriett is a nationally known speaker and author of the bestselling Coffin Corner Boys: One Bomber, Ten Men, and their Harrowing Escape from Nazi-Occupied France. Currently, she invests her skills full -time in writing Christian books and military history memoirs, as well as hosting a weekly Bible study and leading women’s conferences—often sharing her powerful testimony of personal struggle until Christ came into her life at the age of thirty. She and her husband live in central Florida.

About the Admiral:

Rear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle, is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral with over 34 years of distinguished service, culminating as the 31st commandant of the National War College. His career includes leadership of complex joint, combined, and multinational operations, notably as commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and the USS Makin Island, the Navy’s first hybrid-propulsion ship. He led major crisis responses, such as disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Matthew, and served as Director of the Navy's Senate Liaison Office. Pringle holds degrees in Economics, Financial Management, and National Security Strategy and currently serves as President of the National Naval Officers Association, promoting diversity within the Sea Services.

About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force: 

The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.