“If there is only one plane left to make a final run-in, I want that man to go in and get a hit.”
Waldron's pre-battle instruction to Torpedo Squadron 8 before the Battle of Midway; every plane in the squadron was lost in the attack.
— John C. Waldron, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Source: Lt. Cdr. John C. Waldron, pre-battle letter to Torpedo Squadron 8, 4 June 1942, quoted in Walter Lord, Incredible Victory (1967)
More Proverbs from U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
We are on the line 157 337. We will repeat this message. We will repeat this on 6210 kilocycles. Wait.
Earhart's in-flight radio transmission reporting her position line while searching for Howland Island, shortly before contact was lost.
KHAQQ calling Itasca. We must be on you but cannot see you. Gas is running low. Been unable to reach you by radio. We are flying at altitude one thousand feet.
One of Earhart's final documented radio transmissions as she searched for Howland Island with fuel running low.
Please know that I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.
Written before her final round-the-world flight, the leg that ended near Howland Island, on accepting risk in pursuit of a goal.
I have a feeling that there is just about one more good flight left in my system, and I hope this trip is it.
Earhart's own reflection on the round-the-world flight during which she disappeared near Howland Island.
Adventure is worthwhile in itself.
A guiding motto of Earhart's flying career, which ended on the leg of a journey aimed at Howland Island.
Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done.
A widely cited line from Earhart's personal papers on persistence in the face of doubt.