A PACIFIC HISTORIC PARKS PUBLICATION
GUAM WAR
STORIES
SUMMER 2020
CONTENTS
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SUMMER 2020
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President’s Message
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Tale of Two Widows
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Chamorro Steward's Service Rediscovered
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Remembered, Landing Day Saipan
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Toughest Ship of World War II Found:
USS Nevada
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History Talks
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Kalaupapa Today
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Hawaii Guard Cleans Up Diamond Head
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Voices of the Pacific
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You Make It Happen!
MISSION STATEMENT To support the USS Arizona Memorial and other Pacific historic locations through education and interpretive programs, research, preservation, and restoration, to perpetuate the memory of events and honor the people involved in these sites.
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President & CEO Aileen Utterdyke
94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd. Waipahu, HI 96797 www.pacifichistoricparks.org (888) 485-1941 Toll-free: (888) 332-1941
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Board of Directors Alan Mattson, Acting Chairman (Interim) Clif Purkiser, Secretary Jeff Bell, Treasurer James M. Boersema Noel W. Bragg Alma M. Grocki Patricia A. Lucas Edward J. Lynch
REMEMBRANCE SUMMER 2020
Remembrance is published four times a year as a benefit to Friends of Pacific Historic Parks.
Board of Directors (cont.) Mark Y. Matsunaga Dr. Ed Noh Alby L. Saunders Mathew Sgan James E. VanDerKamp Kwai S. “Sunny” Young Directors Emeritus Neil A. Sheehan James K. Sylva Geoffrey M. White Joachim P. Cox, Legal Advisor
Publication Advisers Aileen Utterdyke Shannon Eberhart Editor Jim McCoy Layout & Design Chase Nuuhiwa
PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE Following a more than three-month shutdown due to COVID-19, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial reopened on June 19. The USS Arizona Memorial reopened July 10. Like so many other nonprofits, Pacific Historic Parks saw its revenues plummet as a result of the shutdown and a shattered tourism market. Now that the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has reopened, we encourage kama’aina and local military families to rediscover the history in your own backyard. This is the place where World War II began and home to one of our nation’s most iconic war graves. Due in part to social distancing requirements, and less visitors from out of state, the National Park Service has arranged for longer visits to the USS Arizona Memorial. Navy shuttles that used to transport 150 people to the Memorial are now transporting 50. And many weekdays the shuttles have far less than 50. Navy Lt. Eric Moore was among the first guests to visit the Memorial on reopening day. “As you can tell by the lower numbers of people that are being allowed on the Memorial, it’s a lot more personable experience, its safe, and the right precautions are being implemented, and it’s also to some degree more enjoyable as you are going to have more time and less crowded,” Lt. Moore said. At the Visitor Center, guests can rent audio headsets to explore the museums and take the Walk of Remembrance. Our staff reconfigured the bookstore and the audio and Virtual Reality Centers to make these areas safer in this era of a pandemic. We also hope you will become a PHP member and join those who will be listed as supporters on our new digital donor wall on the Visitor Center grounds. Your support in this new so-called normal is vital to our existence as a non-profit.
Due to the slumping travel numbers, we are actively working to bring the stories of World War II in the Pacific digitally to the safety of homes, schools and other museums both here in Hawaii, nationally and internationally. One such effort is our History Talks webinars, launched weeks after the pandemic shut down the five parks under the PHP umbrella. The program is profiled in this issue of Remembrance. Also in this edition, two of our History Talks presenters bring us up to date on historic Kalaupapa. And we will check in on what was done to prepare for the re-opening of Diamond Head State Monument. This issue’s cover focuses on Guam and two unique wartime stories. The first involves two widows of Japanese ancestry who took different paths during Japan’s occupation of Guam. The other is how a Chamorro family discovered a special recognition given to a relative who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. We will also report on the latest on the USS Nevada, dubbed the ”unsinkable” ship after surviving two world wars, including the attack on Pearl Harbor, D-Day, the battle at Iwo Jima, and later being a nuclear test target. We hope you enjoy this edition of Remembrance. Thank you for all your support as we continue to work hard in meeting our mission to Remember, Honor and Understand World War II in the Pacific.
AILEEN UTTERDYKE
President & CEO
A copy of the latest financial report, registration filed by this organization, and a description of our programs and activities may be obtained by contacting us at: 94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd., Waipahu, HI 96797, (808) 954-8777. Pacific Historic Parks was formed in Hawaii. If you are a resident of one of the following states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency: Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA), OR VISITING www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Registration #CH17306 Georgia: A full and fair description of our programs and our financial statement summary is available upon request at our office and phone number indicated above. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Pacific Historic Parks may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. Nevada: Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. ¤170(c). New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Pacific Historic Parks may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483 or http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/ West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Wisconsin: A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request. REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE. More information about charity state disclosures and charitable solicitation registrations.
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A TALE OF TWO Faces of Japan WIDOWS Two in Wartime Guam By: Påle’ Eric Forbes, OFM Cap
Riye Dejima
If stereotypes need be shattered, then when it applies to the Japanese Occupation of Guam (1941-1944), no better hammer could accomplish the task, perhaps, than the story of Nao Sawada and Riye Dejima.
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he two women were almost duplicates of each other. Both were Japanese; both had married Japanese merchants who set up shop on Guam; both were widowed by the outbreak of war, continuing the businesses their husbands had started. But the similarities between the two women begin to fade after this. Two different choices were made as the Stars and Stripes were lowered and the Rising Sun flown in their place. Should the Japanese residents of Guam, some having lived on the island for almost forty years, welcome with joy their homeland’s victory and support Japanese rule? Or should they live the remainder of the war avoiding anything that would antagonize the Chamorro community among whom they lived, and refrain from doing anything that may put them in danger if the Americans should return and reclaim the island? One Japanese widow chose the former, and the other chose the latter. Nao Sawada became Japan’s biggest cheerleader on Guam while it ruled the island. So visible and vocal a supporter of Japanese rule was she that she was called Japan’s Fifth Column on Guam and the local Queen. She became a member of the Japanese Governor’s “kitchen cabinet,” an informal advisor. She formed and headed the Ladies Patriotic Society, made up of Japanese women new to Guam, usually the wives of Japanese employees of the Minseibu (or civil administration) or the Nanyo Kohatsu Kabushiki Kaisha, a Japanese economic development company.
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Sawada also ran a club of sorts for Japanese officers, which also offered temporary sleeping quarters for new Japanese arrivals. She became a mother figure for many Japanese coming to the island for the first time. She coached them on what to do, and what not to do, so that they could convince the Chamorros of Guam to forget the United States and to look from now on only towards Japan. But it was fear and resentment that Sawada mainly engendered in many Chamorros. Although she had personally assisted a handful of Chamorros for whom she had a liking, she was known to make reports to Japanese authorities if she overheard a pro-American remark or believed someone could be hiding a radio. Chamorros who had a reason to be afraid, such as those secretly assisting George Tweed, the American fugitive hiding from the Japanese, avoided being near Mrs. Sawada. On the other hand, Riye Dejima walked a fine line during the Japanese Occupation designed to keep her from making any enemies on any side. Naturally, the Japanese authorities could assume that they had the support of Dejima, and she avoided anything that could suggest otherwise to those officials. But she also refrained from becoming the champion of Japanese supremacy as Mrs. Sawada had become. As long as there was war, it meant that the contest could go either way. If the Americans return, she could be denounced and be punished. Her destiny lay in Guam, and among the Chamorro people whose sympathies were with the United States
and not Japan. She was careful not to toy carelessly with these facts. Working in her store was a JapaneseChamorro, Tomas Santos Tanaka, who was taking canned goods and other effects off the shelves and secretly bringing them to Tweed. Dejima knew it all along but turned a blind eye to it and even told Tanaka at one point to help himself to whatever he needed, being careful not to mention Tweed’s name. When she was put in the stockade after the American return, a Japanese yelled at her, “You supported Americans!” Tweed himself praised Mrs. Dejima as a hero who helped save his life. Two different choices, and two different ends. Nao Sawada was never found after the war. Was she killed by a stray bullet? Or did she take her own life? Riye Dejima, however, was released from the stockade, her innocence confirmed by Chamorro voices. She retrieved a large amount of American dollars she had carefully wrapped and buried, an indication who she felt might have a fighting chance to win the war. With that money, she opened her business once again and lived the rest of her ninety-two years on Guam, where she is buried. On her head stone is written, “I am at peace forever on this island I love and the people I treasure.” Whenever I hear someone is tempted to paint all the Japanese on Guam in World War II with the same brush, I always have Mrs. Dejima at the ready to erase the brush stroke.
A CHAMORRO STEWARD’S SERVICE
Rediscovered
Born in 1919, Albert Edward Taitano Carbullido, son of Antonio and Maria Carbullido of Agat, Guam, had always seemed larger than life. Physically big and with a smile to match his size, he rarely said much about his time in the Navy during World War II. Photos of the time, however, reveal a much trimmer, almost gaunt-looking young man, but still with that huge, charismatic smile.
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fter graduating from Guam Institute in 1938, he worked a series of jobs and was in Canton Island working for Pan American Airways when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Guam and Wake Island. After transporting to San Francisco, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 21, 1942, some two months after the start of the war. As a Chamorro enlistee, he was assigned as a mess attendant on the battleship Maryland shortly thereafter. He recalled that the ship’s commander Rear Admiral Harry Hill was so impressed by his smile he ranked the previously unrated steward as a Third-Class Petty Officer. Carbullido then went on to serve aboard the cruiser Wichita and traveled to the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. He was on the Wichita during the American invasion of Saipan and Guam in the summer of 1944. But that duty station to his home would prove bittersweet. He learned his sister Evelyn had been killed by the Japanese. Overcome with grief, Carbullido found it difficult to speak. He returned to his family every few days, though, bringing food provided by his fellow Wichita sailors. When the Wichita left for the Philippines, Carbullido put in for a transfer to Admiral Chester Nimitz’s newly established headquarters in Guam. He returned to the island as a First Class Petty Officer in December 1944 and was placed in charge of the Bachelor Officers Quarters Central Office.
Though Guam was still a combat zone, Carbullido lived in Agat with his parents in a thatched roof home built by the Navy on the beach near Ga’an Point. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Carbullido married his former classmate, Nieves Martinez, the daughter of Juan and Rita Martinez of Agana. Though the marriage did not produce children of their own, the couple adopted eight children of Nieves’ two brothers. Carbulido’s post war life included a combination of public and community service. He was active in Guam politics and worked for the Government of Guam and other civic organizations. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 82, proud to be an American and Chamorro. Recently, a few chance events led to the recovery of a 1997 interview by Guam historian Dave Lotz. The interview presented a missing piece in our family history –and my uncle’s experience during the battle for Guam--was finally brought to light. He is honored in the Congressional Record as the “quintessential public servant,” but for his family, he was “Uncle Daddy,” a man with a big heart, quick wit and deep love for all of us. Although his story is still not completely known, it is comforting to remember him again but with a new understanding of his military service. * The author wishes to thank Dave Lotz, Edward San Agustin and Paulina San Agustin for their assistance with this article. WWW.PACIFICHISTORICPARKS.ORG
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BRAVERY & SACRIFICE By: Jovannalyn Mafnas, AMME Education Specialist
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t has been 76 years since the Battles of Saipan, Tinian and the Philippine Sea took place in 1944. It began on the morning of June 15, when thousands of U.S. troops came ashore on the western beaches of Saipan. It was a difficult battle that took place over the course of three weeks, claiming the lives of more than 3,000 U.S. troops and wounding over 13,000. The Japanese lost an estimated 30,000 soldiers and thousands of civilians. The indigenous people were caught between opposing forces and the lives of nearly 1,000 Chamorros and Carolinians were lost. The battle finally came to an end on July 9, 1944, when the island of Saipan was declared secure. Each year, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of the thousands of men who fought on Saipan, Tinian, and the Philippine Sea. On June 15, National Park Service staff of American Memorial Park laid wreaths at one of the landing beaches and at the Court of Honor, where 5,204 names are inscribed to honor the servicemen that lost their lives. A wreath was also laid at the Marianas Memorial, where the names of the indegeneous people who lost their lives are inscribed to honor their memory. On this day, and everyday, Pacific Historic Parks joins the community in honoring all who were affected during the Battle for the Marianas.
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The Battle of Saipan took place 76 years ago, from June 15 - July 9, 1944. Each year, we remember and honor the bravery and sacrifices of the servicemen who fought in the battle and the civilians who were caught in between.
Ranger Brooke Nevitt walks towards the Court of Honor and Marianas Memorial to lay wreaths in honor of all who lost their lives during the Battles for Saipan, Tinian and the Philippine Sea.
TOUGHEST SHIP OF WORLD WAR II FOUND: USS NEVADA By: Johanna Fuller, Resource Specialist
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he USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway the morning of December 7, 1941, making her “the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal and depressing morning". Pearl Harbor survivors who were on board the USS Nevada recall hearing fellow sailors aboard other ships cheer as the USS Nevada passed by them in pursuit of getting out of the harbor. Unfortunately, due to damage received during the attack, the Nevada began to list and was run aground near Hospital Point. The USS Nevada had an extensive career in the US Navy, a career that spanned World War I to the end of World War II with the dropping of the atomic bomb. During World War I she served as a part “Banty Bay Squadron” along with the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma. The Banty Bay Squadron provided protection off the coast of Ireland for ships that were sailing to and from Great Britain. During World War II she was present at Pearl Harbor after providing support fire for the capture of Attu. She supported efforts in the Normandy Invasion and Operation Dragoon in the Atlantic. In March of 1945, the USS Nevada joined Task Force 54 (TF 54) off Okinawa and assisted with the bombardment for the invasions of Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
The USS Nevada returned to Pearl Harbor, deemed too old to be in the post-war fleet, she was assigned to be a target ship in the Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This assignment left her damaged and radioactive and she was formally decommissioned in August 1946. After two years of inactivity, the USS Nevada was towed out to sea off O’ahu, Hawai‘i and sunk during target practice by the US Navy. While the world was in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, two research groups, Search Inc., (SEARCH) and Ocean Infinity, located the toughest ship of World War II, the USS Nevada on April 29. SEARCH, the largest underwater and terrestrial archaeological firm in the United States and Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company teamed up for an underwater exploration, due to the series of unprecedented events that took place across the globe in response to COVID-19 pandemic, Ocean Infinity’s vessel, Pacific Constructor, stayed out at sea. They set up an underwater survey of more than 100 square miles of the oceans floor. The USS Nevada was located 65 nautical miles southwest of Pearl Harbor at a depth of 15,400 feet.
The USS Nevada is one of the US Navy’s longest serving battleships and viewed as the epitome of American Resilience and perseverance. Dr. James Delgado of SEARCH stated: Nevada is an iconic ship that speaks to American resilience and stubbornness. Rising from its water grave after being sunk at Pearl Harbor, it survived torpedoes, bombs, shells, and two atomic blasts. The physical reality of the ship, resting in the darkness of the great museum of the sea, reminds us not only of past events, but of those who took up the challenge of defending the United States in two global wars. This is why we do ocean exploration -- to seek out those powerful connections to the past. James Pochurek, SEARCH’s President said “...The discovery of the USS Nevada is another reminder of the powerful human stories lying beneath the waves waiting to be re-told.”
Kermit Bonner, Final Voyages, (Paduach, KY: Turner Publishing Company, 1996) 101
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Anne Cipriano Venzon & Paul L. Miles The United States in the First World War: An Encyclopedia, (New York & London: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1995) 755 2
Naval History and Heritage Command, “USS Nevada (BB 36), accessed 5 July 2020, https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/us-navy-ships/battleships/ nevada-bb-36.html. 3
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History TALKS B y : Je n n i f e r S a g o n- Ta e z a , E du c a t i o n S p e c i a l i s t
Our mission is to remember, honor, and understand World War II in the Pacific. Through education and interpretive programs, we strive to perpetuate the memory of historical events and honor the people that were involved.
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istory Talks is an interactive series designed to share the history and stories of Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific. History Talks Series was designed for students, educators, a general audience, and organizations from across the world to provide live interaction and continue education during these uncertain times. Through a collaboration with Edutainment Learning, featured guests have shared their experiences, knowledge, and passion for history. The launch of History Talks began in April with Dorinda Nicholson, who shared her experience as a 6-year-old Pearl Harbor child witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor with her father from their front yard. Following Dorinda were Pearl Harbor survivors, Sterling Cale and Lou Conter who told their stories of their personal encounters that brought us back to the catastrophic moments of December 7, 1941 and ultimately leading to reconciliation and forgiveness. Alton Chung’s passion 8
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for history brought History Talks to another level, through storytelling. Alton performed “Pigs from the Sea”, a story of heroism and two cultures coming together during this tragic time in history. History Talks has also allowed us to hear the stories and perspectives of survivors from Hiroshima, Japan broadening our understanding of culture, acceptance, and forgiveness. Naoko Okimoto a volunteer from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, became an A-bomb Legacy Successor after completion of a 3-year training program. Naoko shared the story of Matsuhiko Segoshi, a first-generation atomic bomb survivor. In May, Masahiro Sasaki shared his story of how he continues the legacy of his sister, Sadako Sasaki, and her wish for world peace. Today, the folding of the paper crane continues to be a universal symbol of peace around the world. Guests speakers were also representatives from the National Park Service, Chief
of Interpretation and Education, Public Information Officer, Jason Blount shared his knowledge for honoring the fallen through military commemoration overseas. Chief Historian, Daniel Martinez offered viewers a 3-part series of specialized weapons of Pearl Harbor using a collection of archived photos. Deputy Chief and photographer, Brett Seymour presented underwater views of the USS Arizona providing a rare opportunity to see the battleship as she sits below the water’s surface. It has truly been an honor to bring the experiences of our featured guests on History Talks. History contributes to the development of our culture, values, and the world that we live in. To view our previous talks and register for upcoming talks, visit Pacific Historic Parks website at: pacifichistoricparks.org/history-talks
KALAUPAPA TODAY By: Sister Alicia Damien Lau , OSF and Sister Barbara Jean Wajda , OSF
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ooking down from the cliffs of the north shore of Molokai or flying in on a small plane, one sees a peninsula called Kalaupapa which means “flat plain”. Cliffs as high as 1664 feet on one side and surrounded by the ocean on three sides made this a perfect place of isolation for those with leprosy, now called Hansen Disease, who were “exiled” here. One of the patients once said: “This is worse than a prison.... in prison there is a possibility of parole; you were sent to Kalaupapa to remain until you died.” Now, with Covid-19, Kalaupapa is a safe haven for those patients who call this home. The Department of Health and the National Park Service’s primary focus is the safety of the remaining patients, a “reverse isolation" with only the essential workers on site. On March 10, 2020, the settlement was closed to all visitors and remains closed to this day. Saint Marianne Cope, a progressive thinker, arrived in 1883 with six sisters, who came to care for those with leprosy. A sister, dressing a patient’s wound, was frightened when the physician said to her that she would contract the disease. Mother Marianne said to her: “God has called us to do this work and He will protect us. Not one of our sisters will ever get the disease.” And to this day, since 1883, none of our sisters has ever contracted the disease. Mother Marianne was very prudent to ensure cleanliness by insisting on hand washing. Through a Partnership with the National Parks Service, Pacific Historic Parks keeps the history of the settlement alive through the patient’s memories and experiences published in the books at the Kalaupapa Bookstore. In the past, the Bookstore was operated by a patient. Life will not be the same after Covid-19 in Kalaupapa. Once the settlement is opened for visitors, they will learn the life experiences of the thousands of patients who were exiled here. The Ohana (family members) will continue to arrive, looking for records and burial places of their relatives/families or friends. Most people experience the mana, that is the spiritual energy of power and strength of the people and the aina - land, of this special place. For many, Kalaupapa is a life-changing experience which cannot be described, but has to be experienced.
During World War II, like the rest of the Islands, Kalaupapa’s windows were darkened and lights were off during the night. Children afflicted with Hansen’s Disease at Kalihi Hospital, not far from Pearl Harbor, were very frightened. Six months after the bombing, thirty-five of the fifty-five patients including all the children, were transferred to Kalaupapa. Morale was high and with the war bonds they had ample fruit, vegetables, poultry and pork. Medical supplies and equipment were transferred from Kalihi Hospital to Kalaupapa.
For additional information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm WWW.PACIFICHISTORICPARKS.ORG
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With Military Precision,
HAWAI’I NATIONAL GUARD CLEANS DIAMOND HEAD DURING COVID SHUTDOWN B y : C a s s a n d r a S p r i n g e r , D i a m o n d H e a d S t a t e P a r k I n t e r p r e t i v e Te c h n i c i a n
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awaii’s most popular state park features stunning views and historic remnants of coastal artillery defenses. So when COVID-19 shut down the Diamond Head State Monument, members of the Hawaii National Guard stepped up. The Guard has been headquartered in Fort Ruger for over seventy years. During pre-COVID days, they were witnesses to the crowds packing the park and forming the daily ant trail of hikers. Since its shutdown in mid-March, the crater was empty and peaceful. So the neighbors banded together for what amounted to a long overdue spring cleaning. As the Diamond Head Technician, I met with Col. Pamela Ellison and her team a couple of weeks before to plan the clean-up. We were all on the same page. The Hawaii National Guard wanted to help State Parks with projects to maintain the crater during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Having the opportunity to assist in the clean-up at Diamond Head State Monument, our work “neighborhood”, while maintaining our positive relationship with DLNR, was 10
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an amazing and rewarding experience that we hope can continue for many years to come,” said Hawaii National Guard 1LT Kuhinapuitetamalai Naki. The date was set was set for June 27, 2020 from 8am to 1pm. The participants were split into seven teams and performed with military precision. The rappelling teams swooped up and down the steep summit to pick up trash. The buzz of chain saws temporarily broke the serenity as trees that were blocking the sight of the helipad from the HFD for rescues were removed. Trail cleaners cut invasive trees and grass while trail runners carried down old cement bags and paint cans. On their return they brought water up to keep everyone hydrated. Since there were about 80 people in total this helped with social distancing, and masks were required if social distancing was not feasible. (The masks also helped with working in dusty/dirty conditions.) They cleaned debris in two levels inside of the Fire Control Station, cleaned and re-painted the insides of both bunkers to the left and right of the FCS, and cleaned up the inside of the storage room at the bottom of the infamous 99 steps. Decades of dust and debris were removed, a job well done to help preserve world famous Diamond Head State Monument.
Voices
OF THE PACIFIC
A Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Story, William Arthur Rodda By: Amanda Thompson, Oral History Consultant
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illiam Arthur Rodda was born March 25, 1921 in Marinesco, Michigan, but moved to Sutter, California shortly after where he was raised. As the Great Depression hit the country, Rodda looked for any job to help his family and with an upcoming war, the Navy seemed like an option. After boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Nevada and set out for Hawaii in May, 1940. On the morning of December 7, 1941, he awoke at 5 a.m. with the rest of the crew and began sweeping the deck. As the ship’s band played the last note of the National Anthem, the explosions began and chaos ensued. We went to the battle station right then, number four turret. Hollering out to the guys down [on] the shell deck, and hollering down to 'em, "The Japs are attacking us,” and of course I can't say the words they used, what they said. They didn't believe us and well, in just a few seconds, the loudspeaker come on and said it wasn't a drill and that the Japs were attacking us. The USS Nevada was the only ship to get underway during the attack. It steamed down the harbor along Battleship Row until it reached the channel. By this time, the attacking Japanese planes swarmed to sink it and block the harbor entrance. The men of the USS Nevada decided it would be best to ground the ship at Hospital Point. I got told to go up on the boat deck and fight fire. And then the water quit running, we lost pressure. We started hauling the dead guy’s back to the fantail. I didn't know ‘em personally. I knew their faces…The boat deck, the fifth and sixth divisions, the ones that lost most of 'em. That's where the bomb hit, up there back of the anti-aircraft guns…We thought they were coming back. They should have, actually. They could have really pounded us if they'd come back. That evening, the rumors ran rampant regarding the possibility that the Japanese would return for an invasion of the island. The aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise, home-ported at Pearl Harbor, but out on maneuvers, sent back planes to
scout the Japanese fleet. They began to land on Ford Island, but before many of them reached the ground, the sailors in the harbor open fired on them as they thought they were the Japanese returning. I went down to the turret and laying down there after dark, and all of a sudden, all hell broke loose up there. I went up to see what was going on. Our own planes coming in from the ENTERPRISE and they shot some of those down. And heard all this shooting and I hurried up and got back up on top side and these planes coming off the ENTERPRISE and everybody opened on'em. They had their running lights on too, but they must have gotten -- they was gun happy by then, some of 'em, trigger happy. The USS Nevada was repaired and put back into service in October, 1942. It served as a convoy ship in the Atlantic and was present during the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944. After further repairs, she was then sent to the Pacific for the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, the USS Nevada was used as a test ship for nuclear bombs. When the first sinking attempt failed, the Navy tried one more time and succeeded. In May, 2020, the USS Nevada was discovered three miles underwater and 65 miles southwest of Hawaii by the cultural resource management firm, Search Inc. Although the Navy was aware of the proximity of the location of the ship, its final resting place was not discovered until just a few months ago. William Rodda transferred to the USS St. Louis for the duration of the war and spent most of his wartime experience in the Africa campaign. He returned to the USS Arizona Memorial in 1994, when this oral history was recorded. *Oral histories are transcribed verbatim from the interviewee. While terms such as “Japs” are unacceptable today, we must look at them through the lens of historical context. Pacific Historic Parks strives to promote education through primary resources such as these interviews in their original form in order to gain an understanding of the world as it once was.”
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A 100 YEARS of Living As we live through a catastrophic global pandemic, we look back to another world changing event, the attack on Pearl Harbor. These three centenarians have survived Pearl Harbor and have no plans of letting the coronavirus slow them down.
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harlie Imus was a Seaman 2nd Class assigned to the Navy's VP-23, an aircraft patrol squadron on Ford Island. During the first attack on Pearl Harbor, personnel were ordered to remain in their barracks until there was a lull. He later reported to the hangars and fired a few rounds at a Japanese airplane with a rifle. Damage to the Navy's grounded planes, Imus said, was devastating. "All of our planes were destroyed except for one," he said.
Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Charlie Imus proudly wears his Pearl Harbor hat as he celebrates his 100th birthday on July 8.
"I’ve climbed Mount Fuji, I’ve gone bungee jumping in New Zealand, I’ve been to a 500 Indianapolis race,” he said. "I bungee-jumped off the Kawarau Bridge, which is the first commercial bungee-jumping deal in the world. It was on my 80th birthday. I was 20 years younger." He just grinned when asked what he thinks of every morning when he wakes up to greet the day. "You just hope that your back ain’t hurtin’ like it can,” he said. On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Shipfitter 1st Class John “Jack” Garrett was aboard the light cruiser USS St Louis tied up next to its sister ship, the light cruiser Helena, in Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. Garrett was waiting to go ashore when Japanese bombers, torpedo planes and fighter aircraft attacked the U.S. Navy fleet in the harbor. Upon the attack the crew went into action firing the ship’s cold boilers in preparation to back away from its mooring, moving into the channel, where it was fired upon by a Japanese mini-sub. The two torpedoes missed the ship, giving it the nickname the “Lucky Lou.” The USS St Louis was the first ship out of the harbor, between the two Japanese raids. 12
REMEMBRANCE SUMMER 2020
Jack Garrett, 100, of Rome City (left) thanks everyone for the birthday wishes after a driveby parade on Saturday, May 16. Jack’s son, Charles walks over to congratulate his dad.
The St Louis would participate in 11 major naval battles in World War II and earn 11 battle stars. Garrett was in all of them. Garrett believes, from what he has been told, that he is the oldest active member of an honor guard firing squad in the United State. At 100, Garrett plans on continuing with the honor guard as long as he can.
Dr. Harley Jolley, retired professor of history at Mars Hill University, is remembered fondly as one of most loving and interesting instructors to grace the campus. A veteran of the Army Air Force, Dr. Jolley was one of thousands stationed at Hickam Air Field on the morning of December 7, 1941. When asked about his experiences that day, Dr. Jolley remarks how he was asleep in his bunk when the attack commenced. Hearing the commotion from the dropping of bombs, Dr. Jolley and his bunk mate initially believed it was some sort of practice being carried out by the United States Navy stating, “the damn Navy is at it again.” After realizing what was happening, Dr. Jolley rushed to his post along the perimeter of the airfield and began defending his fellow soldiers. Today, Dr. Jolley still suffers from a piece of shrapnel picked up from the attack as well as the realization that he was” very fortunate” to avoid a much serious injury. Jack Garrett, 100, of Rome City (left) thanks everyone for the birthday wishes after a drive-by parade on Saturday, May 16. Jack’s son, Charles walks over to congratulate his dad.
Prayer for the Dead
“Eternal rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.”
Thomas Berg USS Tennessee Port Townsend, WA
Alwyn H. King Schofield Barracks Camp Hill, PA
Clyde G. Stephenson USS California Appleton, WI
Arleigh Birk USS Honolulu Hoyt Lakes, MN
Daniel R. Kramer USS California Clinton, IA
Perry Paul Stroud Sr. USS Ralph Talbot Crescent City, CA
Thomas D. Davis USS Whitney Alabama
Walter T. Larson USS Nevada Rogers, MN
Philip G. Tveten USS West Virginia Mesa, AZ
Joseph Herbert Lehamn Garrison Ford Island NAS Huntington Beach, CA
Robert Lloyd Hickam Field Dayton, NV
Milton Walter Verberg Fort Shafter Sun City West, CA
John E. Gideon Naval Base Pearl Harbor North Fort Meyers, FL
Walter Mallin Schofield Barracks Trumbull, CT
Arthur W. Wells USS Pennsylvania Chico, CA
Henry A. Heim Hickam Field New Cumberland, PA
Harry Ogg USS Neosho Corpus Christi, TX
Harley Smith Wright Jr. USS Hulbert Portland, OR
Vern George Hodson Schofield Barracks Gainsville, FL
Edwin Denby Schuler USS Phoenix San Jose, CA WWW.PACIFICHISTORICPARKS.ORG
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You Make it Happen!
Your contributions help us meet our mission to ensure that the legacy of the valiant, courageous men and women who served our country during World War II are never forgotten. We would like to recognize and thank the following donors for their recent contributions.
IN HONOR OF Lou Conter Lauren Bruner Donald Stratton Ken Potts Lonnie Cook Stan Cromlish
Kim S. Orlando - LTC- Army (101st Airborne) Ft. Campbell, KY Charles E Gamble II
Robert t. Boyle, Jr Robert Thomas Boyle, Sr Hideo Sakai, U.S. Army David Sakai
Edean Saito Roberta A. Sullivan
IN MEMORY OF (Teruo) Terry Kumagai Jennifer Sakurai
Melvin Edward Kwiatkowski Junior Mark Kwiatkowski
William Charles Brown Patricia B Finie
Harold Keith Stephanie Cosgrove
Paula Kendrick John W Kendrick
WT2nd Maurice X. Aydell Mary Vernoy
Capt. Jack R Evans, USN Nancy J. Watson-Evans
Jay Groff Jr, USA, WWII Susan McClure
Jerry D. Tessaro, CSC U.S. Navy (Ret.), Pearl Harbor Survivor Rita G Tessaro
William B Kingseed, CSC, USN (Ret.) Cole C Kingseed
Capt George E Sullivan, USN Evertett Hyland Roberta A. Sullivan Goran Anderson Barry Cicero Richard A McMahon Jr. Eugene Haywood Knight, Jr., USN (Ret.) Claire Knight Garbade
THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS Albert G Sutcliffe Angela Buehler James Arthur Diehl and Betty Jo Arthur W Diehl, USN (Ret.) Barry Roberson Barton Proger Carl E Cline Charities Aid Foundation of America Charles E Gamble II Charles R Waters III COL Cole C Kingseed, USA (Ret) Cole and Mary Kingseed Cooke Foundation Limited Cynthia Winkler Dale Ranck
Daniel E Pepping David A Coleman David and Louise Coleman David Sakai David W Pikop David W Russell Dennis and Susan Mar Dennis R Mar Dixie L Cranford Donald Muhlnickel Jr. Dr. Debra Guest Erba Edean Saito Edward J Staffier Edward Staffier and Ann Marie Frank and Irene DeNave
Frank and Marcia Ziemba Frank De Nave Frank J Ziemba Gayle Phillips George E Carr III Heidi Meeker HMC William E.McAnany, Jr., USN (Ret.) J Patrick White James B Warner James Dodd James McCoy Jennifer Sakurai John and Mary Hartwell John G Bachman John Hartwell
To donate, call (808) 954-8729 or visit www.pacifichistoricparks.org
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REMEMBRANCE SUMMER 2020
John Kendrick Karen J Richardson Karl and Kathleen Heeren Kathleen L Nawn, USN (Ret.) Kathryn M Snyder Kenneth R Jobe Larry H McCown Les and Tonya Isaacowitz Marilyn Eggleton Mark Kwiatkowski Mark Y Matsunaga Mary Vernoy Merris A Welge Jr. Michael E Oakes Mr. Karl Heeren Mr. Leo Bauer Ms. Claire C Chong Ms. Patricia B Finie Ms. Sylvia Reynolds Nancy I. Curnell Nancy J. Watson-Evans Paul J Sanborn
The Legacy Society Create a legacy that will ensure history will never be forgotten Since 1980, millions of people from every state of our nation and from 40 countries around the world have seen, experienced, and been inspired by the valor and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation at Pearl Harbor and throughout the Pacific Basin. The Legacy Society was created to acknowledge and celebrate family and friends who desire to keep history alive and to honor the sacrifices of the World War II generation. Members have affirmed Pacific Historic Parks in their estate plans or through other planned gifting arrangements. Planned gifts provide a unique opportunity to preserve our country’s military heritage through supporting Pacific Historic Parks while possibly receiving tax benefits on income. TYPES OF PLANNED GIFTS Charitable Bequest Life Insurance Life Income Gifts Charitable Gift Annuity Charitable Remainder Trust
Phillip J Ronish Randy and Betty Simonsen Raymond E. Burke II Richard A McMahon Jr Richard and Sukanya Madlinger
I’m interested in discussing my options for a planned gift with Pacific Historic Parks. Please contact me at the number listed in the form below.
Richard J Madlinger
I already have a planned gift set up for Pacific Historic Parks.
Rita G Tessaro
Please specify type: _________________________
Robert J Hamman, USMC (Ret.) Robert Kilthau
Pacific Historic Parks may recognize my membership in The Legacy Society in its publications.
Robert Thomas Boyle, Sr Roberta A. Sullivan Roger Hale Shannon Eberhart Stan Cromlish Stephanie Cosgrove Steven and Gail Bauer Sue and Robert Blake Sue C Blake Susan McClure Teresa and Roger Funke Timothy Wright Victor and Calliopi Viviani Wig Wigmore William Strynkowski YourCause, LLC Trustee for Lam Research Foundation
___________________________________________________________ Name ___________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________________________ Email Established in 1979, Pacific Historic Parks is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt cooperating association committed to preserving the legacy of our historic heritage by providing support of research, preservation, restoration, education and interpretive programs to the National Park Service at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (Pearl Harbor), War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam), American Memorial Park (Saipan), Kalaupapa National Historical Park (Molokai) and Diamond Head State Monument (Oahu).
WWW.PACIFICHISTORICPARKS.ORG
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Clean up at Diamond Head.
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