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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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Posted on 12/06/2002 11:03:54 PM PST by SAMWolf
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are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| 'Unless we fail in our objective -- this thread is designed to stir your emotions and memories and to bring out the patriotism in you.' -- SAMWolf, US Army Veteran
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.
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"This is no drill!"
Military and Naval aircraft at Oahu's airfields were second only to battleships among the Japanese target priorities, though the reason was different. While Pearl Harbor's battleships represented American strategic "reach", and had to be eliminated to safeguard Japan's offensive into Southeast Asia and the East Indies, Oahu's aircraft had to be taken out for a more immediate reason: to protect the Pearl Harbor attack force. U.S. fighter planes, if they could get into the air in any numbers, would be a serious threat to Japanese bombers. U.S. Army bombers and Navy patrol planes potentially imperiled the Striking Force's invaluable aircraft carriers.
 Less than one hour after the attack on Pearl Harbor, USAAF 2nd Lt.’s Ken Taylor and George Welch make an aggressive strike back against the enemy. Taylor, flying his P-40 Tomahawk, is seen bringing down his second enemy aircraft, an Aichi D-31A dive-bomber, on the morning of December 7, 1941. Welch is in close as they chase Japanese planes heading for the open sea. In the background, palls of smoke rise from Hangar 6 housing the naval float-planes, the battleship Nevada, beached off Hospital Point, and the up-turned battleship Oklahoma. The Japanese first attack wave therefore assigned many fighters and bombers to airbase supression, the fighters to set planes afire with machine gun and cannon fire and the bombers to wreck them with high explosives. The second attack wave also had airfield strikes among its tasks. Wheeler Army Airfield, in central Oahu, was Hawaii's main fighter base. It was heavily attacked. Of some 140 planes on the ground there, mainly P-40 and P-36 pursuits, nearly two-thirds were destroyed or put out of action. A similar proportion of the B-17, B-18 and A-20 bombers at Hickam Army Airfield, adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, was also wrecked or damaged enough to keep them grounded. Many men were killed at Hickam when the Japanese bombed their barracks. Smaller Bellows Field in eastern Oahu was also hit, destroying several P-40s, including two whose pilots courageously attempted to take off in the teeth of the enemy onslaught.  U.S. Navy and Marine Corps air stations on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island, at Ewa to the west of Pearl and at Kanoehe Bay near Bellows Field, also received concentrated attention from the raiders. Ewa's aircraft complement, mainly carrier-type bombers and fighters, was reduced from nearly fifty operational planes to less than twenty. Ford Island and Kanoehe, home to several squadrons of long-range PBY patrol seaplanes, were massively attacked, with Ford Island losing about half its planes and Kaneohe all but a few. These very successful Japanese strikes thus prevented any significant aerial opposition, though the few Army fighters that got airborne gave a good account of themselves. Later on December Seventh, surviving bombers and patrol planes were sent out to search for the Japanese carriers. They found nothing and confronted considerable "friendly" anti-aircraft gunfire when they returned to their bases. Ford Island Naval Air Station, in the middle of Pearl Harbor, was headquarters of Patrol Wing Two, and an important target for the Japanese first wave raiders. Reportedly, the initial bomb of the whole attack burst there, prompting the message that electrified the World: "Air Raid, Pearl Harbor--this is no drill.". Several PBY patrol seaplanes and other aircraft were destroyed on Ford Island, and one big hangar was gutted. In all, 33 planes were put out of commission there. Several planes from the aircraft carrier Enterprise, which was approaching Hawaii after a mission to Wake Island, arrived in the midst of the attack. A few were shot down by the Japanese and more by understandably jittery American anti-aircraft gunners. However, several of these planes, and others from Ford Island's own complement, were airborne again within a few hours, sent out to search for the enemy. Some, at the end of a very long day, were shot down by their fellow-countrymen as they returned from these unfruitful searches.
Kanoehe Bay, on the east coast of Oahu, was the site of a major Navy patrol seaplane base. A new facility, with some of its buildings still under construction, this Naval Air Station was home to three Patrol Squadrons. It had 33 PBYs on the ground or floating just offshore when the Japanese arrived. Of those planes, all but six were destroyed, and the survivors were damaged. Only the three Kaneohe Bay PBYs then out on patrol were fit for service at the end of the raid.
 A tribute to the Americans who got airborne on the "date which will live in infamy". A thrilling image of a lone P-40B and Japanese Val Despite the effective Japanese counter-air effort, a few Army P-40 and P-36 pursuit ships got airborne, including some from the small, and untargeted, airfield at Haleiwa on Oahu's north coast. These shot down perhaps as many as eleven enemy planes of the second attack wave, losing four of their number in return, two while taking off and one to American anti-aircraft fire while returning to base. In the midst of the raid, twelve unarmed B-17C and B-17E four-engine bombers arrived over Oahu after a long flight from California. Unaware of the events then unfolding at their destination, several of these were attacked. Though unable to fire back, only two B-17s were destroyed, both after landing, an early indication of the toughness of the "Flying Fortress" in combat. Two Navy SBDs flying into Oahu from the carrier Enterprise, were also downed by enemy action during the raid. One of these may have been the victim of a mid-air collision with its opponent near Ewa Field.
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Pearl Harbor survivors find unique bond
Memories of attack live 61 years later
By TODD ACKERMAN
Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle
They will gather together again today, these still-hearty soldiers, sailors and fliers who survived Japan's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Sixty-one years after the first U.S. battle of World War II, more than 100 survivors from around the country will take their place on Battleship Texas to pay homage to the 2,395 Americans who died on that fateful day. They will hear speeches, toss wreathes on the water and observe a moment of silence.
"It chokes you up," said Bill Eckel, 80, who traveled from Rusk to attend the event. "You try to erase those memories as much as you can, but when they come back, that day feels like a few months ago."
Eckel was on his way to chow on the USS New Orleans just before 8 a.m. that morning when he saw a plane bearing down on the harbor and thought, "What's that crazy fool doing?" Moments later, after seeing torpedoes hit the USS Oklahoma, he ran to his battle station and hunkered down for the attack.
Eckel's story was just one of many told Thursday and Friday as the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association held its annual convention at the Hobby Airport Marriott. The survivors eagerly tell the stories, painful though they sometimes are, because they take seriously the association's motto: Remember Pearl Harbor, Keep America Alert.
For the first decade or so after the end of World War II, Dec. 7, 1941, was hardly remembered, called the "great uncommemorated anniversary of American history" by The Associated Press. In 1958, in response, the survivors association formed, with a membership of about 17,000. It is less than half that today. Sixty-seven live in the Greater Houston area.
The survivors say the hunger for first-person Pearl Harbor stories remains strong, particularly among the schoolchildren they visit. They say the movie Pearl Harbor got people more interested in the events of Dec. 7, but that the first 22 minutes of Saving Private Ryan better reflected what it was like to be under attack.
"The great thing is, every one of us Pearl Harbor survivors are the same," said Robert Kronberger, 86, who founded the association. "There are no privates, no generals, no seamen, no admirals -- just survivors. Everyone likes to brag about their own ship, but that doesn't mean they think there's any difference between us."
Kronberger, his brother and his father were all on the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Two torpedoes hit the ship, but never exploded, sparing the family. All three survived.
O.W. "Bill" Foster, who enlisted in 1938 at 17, thought he was going to be discharged on Dec. 8, his 21st birthday. Instead, he found himself a part of "the two hours that changed the world." He spent the next four years fighting in the South Pacific.
"You hear a lot of talk about how we were fighting for democracy," said Foster, 81. "But we weren't. We were fighting for self-preservation."
Their worst memories involve buddies who didn't make it that day. All say they woke up that morning boys, but became men in a hurry.
"You never forget," said Durward Swanson, who was 19 then. "You can't imagine what it's like to watch your buddy cut in half by machine-gun fire. Or to pick up their body parts."
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Welcome, Pearl survivors to Houston and the Battleship Texas, the site of Texas independence from Mexico. This day belongs especially to you and your brethern who were there on this anniversary day of infamy. We'll never forget you. We deeply respect, honor and thank you. God bless each and every one of you.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The following is a transcript of a proclamation by the President of the United States for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Early on a quiet Sunday morning on December 7, 1941, aircraft of the Empire of Japan, without provocation or warning, attacked the United States forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died that day and another 1,100 were wounded, in what was the start of a long and terrible war against the forces of fascism, tyranny, and imperialism.
Out of that surprise attack grew a steadfast resolve to defend the freedoms on which our Nation was founded. From the ruins of Pearl Harbor, America built the strongest Navy in the world and emerged as a superpower to lead a coalition of allies to victory over evil in World War II. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines fought and won many crucial battles, defeating history's most powerful tyranny. Our Nation must always remember the heroism, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served. Their courage in battle continues to inspire us today as our Armed Forces fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and around the world.
The men and women who fought for America at Pearl Harbor not only protected our Nation, but also helped to shape its character. Nine Americans who fell had Navy ships named after them, and 15 men earned the Medal of Honor for bravery, with 10 of them awarded the Medal posthumously. As we remember the lost on what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called "a date which will live in infamy," I encourage our veterans to share their experiences with our youth so that new generations can learn about this important moment in our history.
Today, we salute our veterans of Pearl Harbor and World War II, whose sacrifices saved democracy during a dark hour. In their memory, a new generation of our Armed Forces goes forward against new enemies in a new era. Once again, we pledge to defend freedom, secure our homeland, and advance peace around the world. Americans have been tested before, and our Nation will triumph again.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7, 2002, as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2002, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this and every December 7 in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Pearl Harbor survivor Joe Novak waves to the crowd and as the makes his way down Harbor Drive in an antique Chevrolet Corvette while taking part in San Diego Veterans Day Parade November 11, 2002. More than 3,500 participants representing all branches of the service, with veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War were honored on this national holiday for all US war veterans. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Rebecca Lorente, 21, of San Jose, Calif., and Ryan Leach, 23, of Petaluma, Calif., look at a plaque titled, 'The Fall and Rise of the Fleet' at the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, as boats ferry visitors to and from the Arizona. Saturday marks the 61st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. (AP Photo/Doug Oakley)
I was 13 at the time of the attack. When the announcement came over the radio I was entering a drug store. Like others, I thought it was in error. No one at the store knew where Pearl Harbor was. We listened to the announcement in amazement. My favorite uncle was on leave from the Army, scheduled to return the next for separation processing. He actually was discharged in March 1946. At school the next day all classes gathered around radios set up in the class rooms to listen to President Roosevelt's announcement of the Japanese's "dastardly deed" that would "go down in infamy" and his asking the Congress to declare a state of war between "the people of the United States and the government of Japan".
Thank you Gene, how vivid those memories are of horiffic times can be, but we really must remember every detail to impress upon our young ones of the troubled times so they can find respect for those that came before them. Bless you Gene
Carlo
Good morning, Jen.
All of northern California was declared a "strategic area" and Axis aliens were subject to a 9 p.m. curfew. In addition, enemy aliens must evacuate areas around Army posts, airfields and vital utilities. Lt. Gen. DeWitt will lay out many additional areas from which aliens, and some citizens, will be removed. The first 250 enemy aliens, mostly Japanese, left San Francisco for a camp at Bismarck, North Dakota.
February 25, 1942
Several thousand anti-aircraft rounds were fired by the Army at an unidentified target near Santa Monica. It was later termined to be a lost weather balloon. It became known as "The Battle of Los Angeles.
March 2, 1942
Gen. DeWitt, commanding both the San Francisco Western Defense Command, and the Fourth Army's Wartime Civil Control Administration, issued instructions to all persons of Japanese ancestry living in San Francisco to voluntarily evacuate to inland locations as ordered by President Roosevelt.
March 10, 1942
Navy seized an entire San Francisco neighborhood to add to the facility at the Hunters Point. About 100 families were forced to move for what the Navy called "military necessity."
I remember my mother's telling about the days after Pearl Harbor when her brother Jesse was reported missing, presumed dead. He was serving on one of the ships that was sunk during the attack on December 7th. Later, he was found, severely burned, acting as a stretcher bearer and helping to care for those whom he believed were more seriously injured. The report of Jesse's presumed death was, my mother said, the final motivator for her joining the Navy. She, too, served in Hawaii until the close of the war.
My dear Elisabeth, Today we remember Jesse, and how greatful we are that he survived, and continued to serve. The insiration of the heroic unselfish act of your mother is to be remembered always. Thank you, and the fond memories that you have given all of us...We will nor forget!
Carlo
I am a "baby boomer baby" born in 1947, after the war was over but I grew up on stories of the war from my dad. He was a young boy of 17 when war broke out, he talked his parents into signing for him to join the Navy, and off he went to fight for his country. He was in the Seabees and was attached to the 5th Marine Division. When the Battle of Iwo Jima started my dad drove a bulldozier off the landing craft. Several days later he was wounded. He was lying on the beach waiting to be transported to the hospital ship when the famous flag raising took place, he watched those brave men as they raised the flag and told me stories of it.
My dad was a young man then, he lost his boyhood in the war and became a man before his time. He eventually lost his leg and suffered bad health for the rest of his life but he never regretted it. He taught my sister and I a sense of loyalty and respect for our country, its Flag and its leaders. My dad died 4 years ago, just before he was to attend the 1st reunion of the Fighting Seabees who landed on Iwo Jima. I would like to take this way to Honor my Dad and all the brave men & women who have fought in all the wars to defend our country. We have to keep these stories alive so they will never be forgotten. We must always be thankful to them and for the great sacrifices they made so that we may remain free. Our Freedom has not been Free! Many have paid the price for it. I thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart ,I admire and respect you and I am proud to be an American.
Yes Linda.. We morn the memory of your brave father, and all of those that through the ages, served with pride to make and keep us FREE..."We must always be thankful to them and for the great sacrifices they made so that we may remain free", We join you, and second you words.."I am proud to be an American." amen.
Carlo
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