A PAC I F I C H I S TO R I C PA R K S P U B L I C AT I O N
WINTER 2018
President & CEO Aileen Utterdyke
Board of Directors Neil A. Sheehan, Chairman Alan Mattson, Vice-Chairman Clif Purkiser, Secretary Jeff Bell, Treasurer James M. Boersema Noel W. Bragg Giorgio Caldarone Alma M. Grocki Patricia A. Lucas Mark Y. Matsunaga Alby L. Saunders George E. Sullivan James E. VanDerKamp Kwai S. “Sunny” Young
Directors Emeritus James K. Sylva Geoffrey M. White
Legal Adviser Joachim P. Cox
Editor Edean Saito
Editorial Advisers Aileen Utterdyke Gail Ann Chew Chandra Kim
Mission Statement Pacific Historic Parks supports the National Park Service through research, preservation, restoration, fund development, education and interpretive programs of World War II in the Pacific and other Pacific historic sites. Remembrance is published four times a year as a benefit to members of Pacific Historic Parks. 2 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018
Contents
94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd. Waipahu, HI 96797 www.pacifichistoricparks.org (808) 954-8726 Toll-free: (888)332-1941
President’s Message.....................................................3 Rising to the Challenge, Looking Back at the Pearl Harbor Commemoration, December 7, 2017........................................ 4-5, 14 Day at the Museum: Preservation in Action, Guam...................6-7, 17 Preserving our History: Iconic Figures of World War II, Saipan...........8 Chasing History On Okinawa, Honouliuli..............9 A Rendezvous with History..........................10-11, 16 Preserving Diamond Head.......................................12 Bay View Home, Kalaupapa......................................13 Pearl Harbor Gram, Prayer for the Dead, Death Report, Bronze Star................................15 A World War II Fighter Pilot Remembered........17 You Make it Happen!............................................18-19
President’s Message T
his is my first message as the president and chief executive officer of Pacific Historic Parks (PHP), and it is not only my honor and privilege, but I am also very humbled to serve in this capacity. I want to thank and acknowledge the PHP Board of Directors who continue to tirelessly volunteer thousands of hours on behalf of our organization, and for their steady focus on our mission to preserve the history of World War II in the Pacific. I’m grateful to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals. On behalf of our entire board and staff, I want to extend a special thank you to our colleagues at the National Park Service (NPS) and the Division of State Parks for their partnership and for the opportunity to continue to support them through programs of research, preservation, restoration, education and interpretation. As you will see throughout this edition of “Remembrance”, the preservation of history is at the heart of Pacific Historic Parks. The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Park Historian, Daniel Martinez, captures the reverence and respect of this year’s 76th anniversary commemorating the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
The voices of heroes are being preserved for generations through PHP’s “Rendezvous with History” program, recording and collecting the oral histories of a generation that is passing all too quickly from our lives. PHP Special Projects Manager Edean Saito shares with you special moments spent with USS Oklahoma Survivor David Russell and civilian eyewitness Helena Nobles. From the history of Honouliuli comes the story of the little known POW experience in Hawaii, captured by Rebecca Rinas, NPS Honouliuli Planner during her recent visit to Okinawa. Through oral histories, stories from the individuals in Okinawa will soon be filling in the gaps to the overall experience of World War II in Hawaii.
From her interview with these former POWs, we learn the true meaning of perseverance, forgiveness and understanding. I originally joined PHP as a member of the board of directors, and became chief financial officer in 2012. During my time with the organization, I was personally touched by the heartfelt dedication of everyone associated with it to ensure that future generations would forever have the opportunity to learn the meaning of sacrifice, valor and heroism through all that took place not only here on the Island of Oahu but also throughout the Pacific. It is my hope that together we will continue to grow and expand our reach as we move into 2018 and in the years to come. In closing, my personal thanks to each of you. It’s my personal belief that your contributions are what ensure we will continue to be able to fulfill the mission of Pacific Historic Parks. I invite you to stay involved with us, and if you have an idea, comment, or improvement, please contact me or any of our directors. We will listen and respond – that I promise. Or if you want any additional information or have any questions, we’ll answer your query. I look forward to working together with the Board but more importantly for and with you in 2018! Respectfully yours,
Aileen B. Utterdyke REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018 | 3
Rising to the Challenge Looking Back at the Pearl Harbor Commemoration December 7, 2017 BY DANIEL A. MARTINEZ, PARK HISTORIAN, WORLD WAR II: VALOR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
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n the history of the early phases of the Pacific War often lost is the importance of what was done in the aftermath of one of the greatest defeats in our history. This year’s theme “Rising to the Challenge” tried to meet that historical and commemorative test by creating, hosting and co-hosting with our partners in the Navy and the members of Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. A series of activities and commemorations unfold over seven days, December 3 through 9, 2017, to mark the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
of global war. The United States had endured the humiliation of defeat for nearly six months but it was not in shame. The heroism and devotion to duty exercised by U.S. military forces during that most difficult period of the war in the Pacific became a source of inspiration and honor for all Americans who would later celebrate the fruits of victory and valor by raising the nation to meet the challenge with undaunted courage and determination.
In order to frame the historical environment, we recall the year 1942. Over the next three years the United States and its Allies would embrace their strategic initiative and take the war forward throughout the Pacific Theater. It was the opening steps on the perilous road to defeat Japan. With a sense of optimism and pride, America mobilized on the home front and steadied the nation to confront the staggering challenges
On December 7, 1942, sailors and civilian workers gathered on the afterdeck at the sunken hulk of the battleship USS Arizona. It was the first December 7 service of remembrance. Prayers were said, words were spoken, and Taps was sounded as they remembered those who were killed aboard Arizona and on the island of Oahu. The ceremony was solemn and yet informal… and it would not be the last.
Here’s a look back at the 76th anniversary commemoration:
December 4, 2017, Monday:
December 5, 2017, Tuesday:
December 3, 2017, Sunday:
Band Concert
Interment Ceremony
The 25th Infantry Division Band Concert was held at the visitor center where hundreds of guests were entertained by the inspiring strains of patriotic music.
This year’s pageant of remembrance began with the interment of Machinist Mate 1st Class Estellee Birdsell hosted by the National Park Service and the Navy. The interment ceremony was held aboard the USS Arizona Memorial in the late afternoon light. In attendance of this military funeral was his daughter, Maryan St. Claire, her husband Hoyt and number of family members and
Band Concert The U.S. Air Force Band opened with patriotic music to the delight of early guests at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Film Premiere On Sunday evening at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the National Park Service hosted the premiere of the documentary film of Tim Gray of the World War II Foundation in Theater 2. “Journey Home to the USS Arizona” was an emotional and inspiring film. It was a stirring tribute to the journey of a granddaughter and her family to the interment of her grandfather, Raymond Haerry. 4 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018
Book Signing Author Steve Twomey, who gave the December 7 keynote address, signed copies of his book, “Countdown to Pearl Harbor, The Twelve Days to the Attack” at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Bookstore. In 2016, this book was determined to be the best publication on Pearl Harbor for 75th anniversary of the attack.
from the film Saving Private Ryan. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
December 7, 1941 commemoration ceremony was hosted on the grounds of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. We honored our veterans and civilian eyewitnesses to the attack on Oahu and in particular, Pearl Harbor. Freedom Bell Ringing USS Bowfin Nearly 2,500 guests honored the memory and celebrated the peace Dec 6-10 that continues to exist between the United States and Japan. The keynote The Spirit of Liberty Foundation Freedom Bell address was given by Pulitzer Prize ringing was hosted at the winner Steve Twomey, author of “Countdown to Pearl Harbor, The USS Bowfin Submarine Twelve Days Before the Attack.” Museum and Park. The friends. This opening ceremony took place at ceremony was The ceremony included a moment 10 a.m. and guests were invited to particularly of silence with the missing man ring the Freedom Bell in memory of poignant formation flyover by the Hawaii service of a loved/remembered one. because The USS Bowfin museum celebrated Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Birdsell was the 75th anniversary of the launching Squadron and Air Force 19th Fighter rejoining his Squadron, followed by a Hawaiian brother Rayon, of the sub on December 7, 1942. She blessing and prayer for peace. would be forever known as the “Pearl who was killed Additional remarks were provided aboard Arizona Harbor Avenger.” by NPS Superintendent Jacqueline on December 7, Ashwell and Commander, U.S. USS Utah Service and 1941. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott H. Swift. Interment The commemoration ceremony also included a rifle salute, Echo Taps, a A sunset ceremony was held to pay December 6, 2017: vintage aircraft flyover, and tugboat tribute to the crew of the USS Utah. water tribute. The ceremony included the interment Blackened Canteen Ceremony of the ashes of Aviation Machinist’s Mate Harry Hohstadt. The daughter Aboard the USS Arizona Memorial of Lt. Cmdr. Clark J. Simmons, at 7 a.m. this ceremony celebrated Claudette Simmons provided a the gesture of kindness given to two B-29 crewmen by Japanese who special canister that held a keepsake and note in memory of her father. gave them a proper burial. The two That vessel was also placed inside the men died when two of the bombers ship. She said “When I look at this collided over Shizuoka City, in a place, I know he’s home”… raid that killed 2,000 of its people. Retrieved from the wreckage was a canteen on which appeared to be December 7, 2017: a hand print of one crewman. That object was retrieved by a Mr. Itoh. He and Dr. Hiroya Sugano conducted “On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pray for all a ceremony of remembrance in who died on the island of Oahu that Shizuoka for 27 years. The National dreadful Sunday morning, and for those Park Service has been hosting that who perished around the world in the service here at Pearl Harbor since Interfaith Prayer Ceremony 1994 and it became an official part of battles of World War II. May we never the December 7 program in 2011. In forget their bravery, their selflessness, A gathering of diverse religious and their sacrifice for the noble causes 2014, the Pacific Aviation Museum spiritual leaders offered prayers in of liberty and peace.” -Presidential at Pearl Harbor became a partner in the Shrine Room of the USS Arizona Proclamation dated December 7, co-hosting this ceremony. Memorial. The focus of these prayers 2017 was for those that gave their lives Band Concert on that fateful December day that National Pearl Harbor represented casualties of the United The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band provided Remembrance Day States and Japan. Commemoration Ceremony. guests with an amazing musical performance. They closed with the (Continued on page 14) moving track “Hymn to the Fallen” At 7:45 am the 76th anniversary of REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018 | 5
Day at the Museum Preservation in Action BY AMANDA O’BRIEN, EDUCATION ASSISTANT, WAR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, GUAM
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laywright John Strand says, “Theatre is effective when it … arouses empathy…” Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. True understanding, humanizing, and relatability happen when we approach history through the lens of empathy. Strand also noted, “Theatre is a place where your emotions get involved. The museum, usually not.”
World War II is a major part of Guam’s history and the generation that experienced it is disappearing quickly. Recording and preserving their accounts is a priority. Local communities hold events to gather stories and photographs to help document the experiences of the island community. The Pacific Historic Parks Guam Education Team felt the “Day at the Museum: Preservation in Leslee Oilouch, who portrayed Pedro Cruz a Action” project Guam Insular Force Guard member, studies the embodied vital “Defending Guam” exhibit in a quiet moment preservation during Dress Rehearsal. aspects embraced by the community, in addition to bringing history to life and making it relatable. This project was the first of its kind in Guam. With limited opportunities to visit a museum, let alone the US mainland, much of the local populace is unfamiliar with the concept of Museum Theatre. We partnered with Guam public high school language arts teacher, Rhonda Rekdahl, to design and implement the curriculum with her 72 freshmen. “Students, 6 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018
from the beginning, learned about World War II history and were able to make personal connections to someone in their families, and their own lives,” Rekdahl said. “Giving a name and a face to someone in history truly did make the whole story of World War II come alive for students. In addition to the historical, reading and writing skills, students learned about public speaking, commitment to education and history, and leadership and teamwork skills,” she said. Each student chose and produced a research paper about a historic figure. Their historical research coach, Jennifer Barber, led workshops on research practices and reliable resources. Barber found a big challenge to doing research on a small island. “Access to…using the library was severely limited,” she said “The limitations of only meeting with students during school hours made the idea of taking them to a real [research] library to do research unrealistic. Students mostly relied on internet resources for their research and it was limited and redundant.” To combat the challenge of limited research materials the project coaches purchased books for the classroom, found downloadable digital resources, collaborated with historians, and scoured archives and libraries for sources. Once their research papers were complete, students worked with Diane Aoki, the Day at the Museum Theatre coach, who conducted workshops on character development, acting and expression, and monologue writing. Once their monologue was complete, all 72 students auditioned for the project coaches. At this point in the project, student participation became voluntary and extracurricular, moving outside the classroom. Originally, 21 students were cast, but only seven students were able to make the commitment to see the project to the end. Another seven students committed to be backstage crewmembers, serving as ticket booth attendants, ushers, stage hands, make-up artists, photographers and publicists. Aoki commended the students on their commitment, saying, “In your life, there will be experiences that will define you as an individual, that form your character. The strongest impressions on your character will be those times when you stepped up, when you went above and beyond, took a risk, and persevered through challenges. This is one of those times. No one made you do this, you chose to participate…Your choices are
Day at the Museum Crew Members prepare for upcoming performances during a Special Dress Rehearsal at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center. From Left: Jasmine Cruz, Herenui Ching, Rinalynn Sato, Taylene Evaristo, Jaedalyn Quitugua, and teacher, Rhonda Rekdahl. suit. It was a touching moment which epitomized the reason for this project and demonstrated the impetus for the stories the actors portrayed.
the building blocks of your character. You chose to be part of this, and this says something about you.” From mid-October through December 7, cast and crew practiced weekly, and eventually daily, to memorize monologues, create banners, flyers and signs, and mount this ambitious production. Students went on field trips to the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park to familiarize themselves with the exhibits and the space in which they would be performing. Park staff attended a special dress rehearsal with the students to provide feedback on their performances. All staff members were impressed with the hard work put in by the students. PHP Education Coordinator Tanya Sortor praised their efforts and said, “Cast and crew did an amazing job. Incredibly heartwarming performances.” On the evening of December 7, 2017 cast and crew held a special preview for friends and family. The public performance took place on December 9. Historical figures portrayed by students were Ben Blaz, Pedro Cruz, Rafael Reyes, Admiral Chester Nimitz, Maria Santos Martinez, Antonio B Won-Pat, and Shoichi Yokoi. In addition to monologues performed in the exhibits, behind-thescenes collections tours were offered, and familyfriendly activities (i.e., a puppet show, craft table and wartime-themed activities) were scheduled outside throughout the day. Rolly Soquena portrayed Antonio B Won-Pat, a Guam politician instrumental in passage of the 1950 Organic Act and in promoting the island’s selfsufficiency. His daughter Judi Won-Pat and members of her family attended the special preview. At the end of Soquena’s performance, his Crew Members and Staff prepare for mom gave him a visitors’ arrivals for the Day at the kiss, and Judi Museum Special Preview Night Won-Pat followed
Brennan Cruz portrayed Rafael Reyes, World War II survivor and the first Chamoru National Park Service superintendent. His daughter, Nanette Senior, and her sister, Donna Perron, attended Saturday’s event. The audience was moved by the sisters’ reaction to Cruz’s portrayal of their father. After the performance, both the Cruz and Reyes families mingled; sharing wartime stories and remembering their family members.
Cruz, as Reyes, talks with Senior after performance Ian Teologo portrayed Shoichi Yokoi, a Japanese soldier who hid in the jungles of Guam for 28 years after the Americans retook the island in 1944. Teologo reminisced about his experience, “The best thing about the Day at the Museum program was the amazing learning experience I got from it. I learned about what happened in World War II. I learned about showmanship and acting.”
Ian Teologo, as Shoichi Yokoi, is seated next to a picture of his cave in the Guam jungles. Yokoi hid out for 28 years until he was discovered in 1972. (Continued on page 17)
REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018 | 7
Preserving our History Iconic Figures of World War II BY JOVANNALYN MAFNAS, AMERICAN MEMORIAL PARK EDUCATION SPECIALIST
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t American Memorial Park, we welcome visitors year round to learn about the history that our park preserves and the people who are honored for their sacrifices during the Marianas Campaign of World War II. October is no exception; it is always an exciting time to invite the community to participate in education programs and activities around the park. Programs such as “Wartime Halloween” and “Icons of World War II” not only teach youth about important people in our history, but also give them a chance to portray these iconic figures of World War II. In October, various activities are offered to visitors such as World War II related trivia questions, a museum scavenger hunt, and memorial activities that give them the opportunity to claim a prize or treat at the Visitor Center. With Halloween around the corner, American Memorial Park held its first “Icons of World War II” program and invited children of all ages to participate. The program highlighted World War II Servicemen, who bravely served in the U.S. military, and Rosie the Riveter, who represented the women who went to work during the war, replacing male workers who went off to war. Children who joined the program watched video clips, attended a story read aloud, went on a guided tour, listened to music from the 1940s, participated in activities and even got to dress up as Rosie the Riveter and servicemen. They learned that these iconic figures represent the bravery, sacrifices and hard work of American men and women during the war. Later in the month, “Wartime Halloween” was held at American Memorial Park on the evening of October 31st. Several community partners joined Pacific Historic Parks and National Park Service staff in providing a safe place for families to visit on Halloween. All were welcome to trick-or-treat, join the wartime themed costume contest and participate in the trivia game to claim prizes. The event brought over 1,000 visitors, resulting in a fun filled evening for all who came to visit the park that evening.
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Icons of World War II Participants Photos taken by Jovannalyn Mafnas, AMME Education Specialist & Brooke Nevitt, Park Ranger
Chasing History on Okinawa BY REBECCA RINAS, NPS OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNER, HONOULIULI NATIONAL MONUMENT
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esignated in 2015 for its significance as a civilian internment and prisoner of war (POW) camp during World War II, Honouliuli held up to 4,000 POWs at a time. Co-located in compounds adjacent to civilian internees, POWs included enemy Japanese soldiers as well as conscripted laborers and soldiers from Okinawa, Korea, Italy, Taiwan and Micronesia.
Hikoshin Toguchi (former POW of Honouliuli) shows us the port area of Kadena where ships full of POWs departed for Hawaii.
A prerequisite to planning a national monument and preserving its historic resources is a deep understanding of the monument’s history. Although National Park Service has greatly benefited from research conducted by community organizations and academic institutions prior to the designation of the monument, the POW experience at Honouliuli is less understood than other historical aspects of the site. Undergirded by the goal of broadening historical understanding and aiding in future preservation initiatives, I recently visited Okinawa. Objectives of this trip included identifying and recording oral histories with former Honouliuli POWs and connecting with local researchers, journalists and others, to raise awareness about the new national monument, in hopes of identifying additional information sources. This project was inspired by a memorial visit organized by the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and the recently-formed Hawaii Deceased POW Memorial Committee in Naha, Okinawa, where it was revealed that a small network of former Honouliuli POWs was possibly available for interview. Working in tandem with Tokyo-based researcher Kaori Akiyama, we were able to record oral histories with eight individuals over six days. The people we spoke with lived in various parts of Okinawa, and each had a unique story to share about the Battle of Okinawa and their experience as POWs in Hawaii. Many of those we spoke with were conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army in March of 1945 as members of Tekketsu Kinnoutai (“Blood and Iron Student Corps”). Tekketsu Kinnoutai consisted of more than 1,780 students between
14 and 17 years old who were drafted for front-line service under the Japanese military. More than half of them were killed or coerced into suicide during the Battle of Okinawa. As the major land campaign to occur on Japanese soil during World War II, the Battle of Okinawa is widely known for both its devastation and high civilian toll. Not only were civilians mobilized to fight for the Japanese military, but many found themselves caught in the crossfire of land battles, air raids and naval bombardments. As a result, at least twice as many civilians died in the Battle of Okinawa as Japanese troops. The individuals we spoke with shared painful wartime experiences and reflected on what it was like for them to be in Hawaii after their capture. Some also recalled encounters with members of Hawaii Okinawan community, who attempted to comfort them and brought them gifts and food while they were on work detail in the community. Taken together, the oral histories collected illuminate the diverse experiences of POWs under the U.S. military and the transnational connections between Hawaii and Okinawa. More than anything, these stories are a testament to the absolute tragedy of war and the range of impossible circumstances that so many were forced to endure. In keeping these oral histories as part of the monument’s historical record, we hope that these accounts can better equip NPS and project partners in transforming this fledgling unit into a place of both reflection and reconciliation on a variety of wartime impacts. Hikoshin Toguchi, Kaori Akiyama, and author REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018 | 9
A Rendezvous with History BY EDEAN SAITO, SPECIAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAM SERVICES MANAGER AT PACIFIC HISTORIC PARKS
of their rented home in the direction of Ford Island. It was early Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941. For Helena the morning had started before sunrise. She was awakened when she heard her father, Frank Noble, getting ready to leave for work. It was just past 4 a.m., and she knew that her father was waiting for the Navy captain, a maintenance officer, to come by the house and accompany her father to Ford Island. Both men had an early morning meeting on the USS Arizona to discuss the upcoming ship’s maintenance schedule for the following week.
in 9 year old Helena in front of home Pearl Harbor Housing
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egacies are passed down through the generations through shared stories. The Frank Noble, 37 years old stories grandparents at the time, was a civilian share with their Frank Noble, Pearl Harbor Ho working for the Navy. grandchildren, using 1941 He was the head man at stories our veterans Building 63, Pearl Harbor, the share with us maintenance facility known as are priceless and the woodworking shop. As a precious. Few have been recorded and as time passes we young man out of school, Frank had joined the Coast Guard. are losing these legacies. Shortly after leaving the Coast Guard, Frank joined the Army in 1929 stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He Rendezvous with History Program has been developed enjoyed Oahu so much that, after being discharged from the to capture as many of these stories before they are Army, he stayed. He eventually got married and landed a job lost forever. Currently the focus is on capturing the as a civilian worker doing ship maintenance at Pearl Harbor. stories from the Greatest Generation, both military He was a skilled worker and soon became foreman of the and civilian. Each has a different perspective of the woodworking shop. world and life during the difficult times of World War II and by sharing these stories, we hope to inspire to Remember, Honor, and Understand. Here’s an excerpt of Helena Noble’s story of December 7, 1941 as she recalls the fear that “when we saw the big explosion on Ford Island where the battleships were, we were afraid that we would never see our father again”, as told to close family friend, Gary Higgins. Nine-year-old Helena and her older sister Ruby, 14 years old, along with their mother, Carrie and cousin Benjamin, 20 years old, were looking intensely through the side window
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Maintenance Facility, Bldg 63, exterior and interior
Just past 8 a.m., as Carrie and her nephew Benjamin prepared to leave, the family heard a rumbling in the direction of the harbor. Helena and Ruby got up from the table and went to the side window. They could see smoke rising in several places and then they heard a series of explosions. As they stood watching, a plane came flying overhead. It was very low to the buildings. Benjamin pointed to the red, Rising Sun on the plane’s wings and said it must be Japanese. As the explosions continued, the adults tried to calm the children. Although they were all scared now, they could not resist staring in amazement through the window at the large billows of smoke rising above the harbor. Then it happened. A huge explosion from the harbor that was so loud it shook the house. It was then that Carrie recalled that her husband was at a meeting on board the battleship Arizona. And, as this realization set in, the family was overcome with anguish and grief. On the Arizona shortly before 8 a.m., Frank and the maintenance officer discussed how the work crews, both civilian and Navy, would coordinate starting on Monday morning. When the first bombs hit, confusion pursued. The maintenance officer — whom Frank would never see again — left the room with other Navy officers. Frank somehow managed to leave the ship and took cover on Ford Island. To Frank, the rest of the day was a blur. He never could remember precisely how he found his way back to the Pearl Harbor housing area by early evening.
Pearl as an anti- aircraft gunnery school. We were taking other individual sailors from other ships and going out and firing at sleeves. I was on the Fifth Division, this was the boat deck. We had the boat on the starboard side. Sometimes we had to retrieve aircraft with a crane we had stationed there. Were you part of the anti- aircraft artillery? The Fifth Division had the broadsides. But they trained us also to be anti- aircraft ammunition handlers and how to load. When the attack came off I had two battle stations. If we came under air attack I was to seek cover. If we were to come under surface attack I was to man the broadsides. When the first torpedo hit at 7:58 a.m. Where were you? I was in the compartment just down below decks. It was just about 70 maybe 75 feet from me. All those torpedoes hit in our area, on the port side. See we were on the starboard side which is a hundred feet away. I think it was a first lieutenant who was the officer of the deck at the time, told us there was an air attack and to seek cover. When those torpedoes hit I could not believe it. It was hard to believe that some country could attack the fleet. I remember a lot of dust. As clean as those ships were, when those torpedoes hit you could see the dust. We had a lot of wires electrical wires about twelve inches wide running through the ship. Also, the exhaust system. A lot of dust came out of the blowers. I could not believe when those torpedoes hit you could just see that dust fly.
They didn’t penetrate because they hit the blisters? There were nine torpedoes that hit the Oklahoma. Several 500 pound bombs missed the ship. I don’t know. Since I was not on the topside in time to see. I went down below decks, down below the armor plates. On the Oklahoma we had 15-1/2 armor plate up forward. It was tapered to 8 inches 3 quarters of the ship. We had armor plate around the magazines, the engine room. If I remember right two decks of armor plate so, by the time I got down below, below the third deck and they started to close that hatch, that’s when I got out. I had been trained to be a first loader on the 5 inch 25s. So that’s when I started back up the hatches again. Everyone was dogging the hatches. You undog the hatches go through it someone would dog it down on the other side. Water tight. I got back up to our sleeping quarters trying to get on to the main deck. I went through the same thing going through those hatches. And then a lot of our lockers were blown over. They had fallen over, some you had to crawl over, others you had to run around the Pearl Harbor Survivor David Russell in his bunks to get through. The Oklahoma home in Albany, OR explains the damage to the (Continued on page 16) USS Oklahoma.
That evening there was no water or electricity, recalled Helena. It was not until later that electricity was restored. Then, they could plug in their small radio and listen to all the news about the attack. It was not until much later that Helena and her family could relax once again even though it was war time. It’s time to meet Mr. David Russell, who was on board the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941. Excerpts are from the oral history conducted in September 2017. I joined the Navy, November 1939. They told me if I joined now I could stay home for Thanksgiving and Christmas and after the first of the year they would call me up. I went aboard the Oklahoma in March 1940 in San Pedro California. According to Jeff Fishers’ book, the Oklahoma reported back to San Pedro in August of 1941 than in November back to Pearl? Yeah, we were operating out of
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Preserving Diamond Head BY EMILY HAUCK, INTERPRETIVE TECHNICIAN AT DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT
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tate parks across the country are typically established to preserve a location for its natural beauty, historic interest or recreational potential. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural ResourcesHawaii State Parks just spent close to $2 million doing just that, stabilizing the crater slope adjacent to the summit hiking trail within Diamond Head State Monument. As a volcanic crater composed largely of cemented ash, the crater slopes are very susceptible to erosion when water gets into the cracks and expands. Eventually, chunks fall off. This rockfall could have occurred on the trail, which made this project critical for ensuring the safety of the 3,000 hikers on the trail each day. Those who have visited Diamond Head in the last few months may have noticed how eerily quiet it has been in the park. That is because the summit trail was closed on weekdays through the autumn for public safety while the third and final stage of rockfall mitigation work was done. The final phase involved rock scaling (or loosening potential hazards), anchor placement, and constructing erosion-resistant surfaces (shotcrete) along sections of the summit trail. While the trail was generally closed Monday through Friday from September, the work has been completed and the trail has fully reopened. The first phase of this project, completed earlier in 2017, consisted of rock scaling within a 200-yard area on the exterior of the crater. The work was done above the intersection of Beach Road and Diamond Head Road for hazard reduction while retaining the natural aesthetics. Rockfall hazards were removed above the Kahala Tunnel entrance as part of the second phase in the project through April 2017. Again, the natural appearance of the slope was preserved and no park closures were necessary since most of
the work was completed at night. This latest phase of rockfall mitigation involved rock scaling, to remove potential hazards along the summit trail. The shotcrete applied to the slopes along the trail was sculpted, textured, and colored to blend in with the surrounding areas. If you hike the trail in the future, see if you can distinguish the “reconstructed” surfaces from the natural areas. The consultants did an amazing job preserving the look of the crater walls. State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said, “The Diamond Head State Monument hike remains one of the top visitor experiences and a favorite of local school groups, summer program participants, and resident hikers.” He continued, “Over one million people per year hike the historic and former military service trail to marvel at the extensive interior construction of the stairs, tunnels and fire control stations. The summit of Diamond Head hosts the panoramic 360-degree view, which is why it is one of the most visited State Parks. However, the soft, crumbly rock (volcanic tuff) that Diamond Head crater is composed of is susceptible to deterioration from the natural effects of erosion. This slope stabilization and hazard mitigation is necessary due to the soft composition of the slopes and this type of project, as with those in the past, is necessary to improve the safety of our park visitors and to reduce slope erosion from accreting onto the surface of the trail.” These improvements are done to make Diamond Head State Monument summit trail available for the public’s enjoyment in a manner consistent with the preservation of natural, scenic, cultural, and ecological values. Hawaii’s resources are unique, diverse, and fragile. We must all do our part to protect and sustain some of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. We hope that present and future generations may appreciate Diamond Head State Monument for many years to come and projects like this one will help us achieve that goal. We appreciate your continued support and understanding as preservation is key to Hawaii State Park’s longevity and success.
Bay View Home
BY RICHARD MILLER AND KA’OHULANI MCGUIRE, CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST, KALAUPAPA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
The railings, ramps and walkways were built to aid blind patients.
T
hroughout the years, the Bay View Home served hundreds of resident patients by providing not only a residence, but also a sense of community and stability as they made the difficult transition into life at Kalaupapa. The Board of Health created group homes, a complex of dorm-style buildings and cottages with a centralized kitchen, dining room and facilities, run by a resident manager. Bay View Home was one of four group homes at Kalaupapa.
The original Bay View Home for the Aged and Blind was constructed in 1901. It was the first home built to accommodate both men and women. The home was created for patients living alone, without family or friends to help them, and who needed assistance because of old age, physical disabilities, and the crippling effects of leprosy, or Hansen’s disease as it is known today. The home started with a small dormitory of seven Sculpted porch columns and rooms that quickly filled railing details were replicated in the woodshop to match the to capacity and soon had a waiting list of patients wanting original components. to live there. By 1911, the home had grown to 26 rooms. Unfortunately, sometime in 1914-1915, the original home was destroyed by fire. The home was rebuilt and enlarged. The new Bay View Home opened in July 1917 and could accommodate up to 96 patients. Over the years, additions and improvements were made to the buildings and the grounds. By 1930, Bay View had four 12-room dormitories, a manager’s cottage, kitchen, dining room, heating plant, laundry and chapel. In particular, the walkways, ramps and railings were built to accommodate patients who were blind. Today, all of the buildings remain except for one
dormitory, the laundry and heating plant. Patients no longer reside in any of the Bay View buildings and all the buildings have been adapted for reuse. In the continuing effort of rehabilitating and maintaining the Bay View Home complex, the Historic Preservation Team of Kalaupapa National Historical Park recently completed repairs on Bay View building 3, with funding provided by Pacific The wide veranda where Historic Parks. Guided by the patients sat and visited while Standards for Treatment of enjoying the view of Awahua Historic Buildings set by the Bay. Secretary of the Department of the Interior, historic preservation treatment included hazardous material abatement, major structural repairs, such as replacement of all porch foundation and framing, porch decking and ceiling, and replacement of elaborately fashioned porch posts and rails. Both west and south entry ramps were refurbished and made safe again with new framing and decking. Culminating the repair aspect of the project, all exterior surfaces of the building and porch were painted to match the other buildings in the Bay View Home complex. Kalaupapa National Historical Park preserves the only intact historic institutional settlement in the United States created for the sole purpose of isolating Hansen’s disease patients from the rest of society. The architecture, landscapes, and archeology of the peninsula reflect the evolution of the settlement from barely surviving patients with Hansen’s disease at Kalawao to a highly organized medical and social community at Kalaupapa. Decorative moldings and brackets were fabricated to match original details. REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018 | 13
(Continued from page 5) Hickam Field Ceremony The Air Force’s 15th Air Wing hosted the commemoration of the attack on Hickam Field ceremony at 7:50 a.m. with the raising of colors and remarks. The observance centered on the historic flagpole at Atterbury Circle, where Army Air Force casualties were remembered with a floral tribute. Barbers Point Service On the Barbers Point Golf Course, the Navy League - Honolulu Council and the Aloha Chapter of the Marine Corps League observed the 76th anniversary of the Japanese naval air attack on Ewa Mooring Mast Field, honoring the Marines who fought and died there in the opening moments of the attack on Oahu. Marine Corps Base Hawaii Marine Corps Base Hawaii held its annual December 7th Ceremony to commemorate the attack on what was then Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
Bronze Star Medal Ceremony BM 2c Joe George
December 8, 2017:
Reconciliation Ceremony Read all about this very special Bronze Star Medal ceremony on page “Lives Remembered: A Tribute to 15. the Fallen of Pearl Harbor” was a ceremony of remarks and prayer for the American and Japanese casualties on December 7, 1941. Hosted by the Japanese Consulate and Navy Region Hawaii, the ceremony was a special moment of reconciliation embraced by the invited guests from the US Navy, Japanese officials and civilian guests.
USS Oklahoma Ceremony This ceremony honored and commemorated the loss of USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and 429 members of its crew. Moored on Battleship Row, Oklahoma was hit by as many as eight to 12 torpedoes during the attack. Captain Greg Burton, commander of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, spoke at the 2017 USS Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony.
14 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018
Pearl Harbor Parade
December 9, 2017:
Pearl Harbor Survivors participated as the Grand Marshals of the annual Pearl Harbor Parade, honoring all veterans, active duty military, and their families. The parade featured military and government officials, marching bands and parade units from the continental U.S. and Hawaii. The parade began at Ft. DeRussy, along Kalakaua Avenue, and ended at Kapiolani Park.
Ewa Plain Battlefield Commemoration The Marine Corps’ Ewa Mooring Mast Field was one of the first places attacked on December 7, 1941. Nearby Ewa Plantation was also hit that day with Marine and civilian casualties. The entire 1941 airfield was put on the National Historic Register in May 2016. After the ceremony, attendees were allowed to view the battlefield with its many bullet strafing marks and bomb craters.
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD Happy Birthday! On November 27, we celebrated Pearl Harbor Survivor Sterling Cale’s 96th birthday with four generations of his women surrounding him.
The Bronze Star with V for BM2c Joe George On December 7, 2017, Rear Admiral Mathew J. Carter, deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, presents Joe Ann Taylor, of Cabot, Arkansas, with a Bronze Star with V for valor for her father, the late Joe George. It was the first time a medal was awarded to a World War II veteran aboard the USS Arizona Memorial. Exactly 76 years earlier, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class George, aboard USS Vestal, had been ordered to cut the repair ship loose from alongside the stricken battleship USS Arizona. Instead he spotted six survivors in the wreckage and threw a heaving line that enabled them to climb to safety. George was identified decades later, and died in 1996. USS Arizona survivors and his family spent years petitioning for his heroism to be recognized. That finally came last year.
“Eternal rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.” Gerard Barbosa USS Raleigh Westbury, NY
Carl Marble Ford Island Naval Air Station Walnut Creek, CA
M. R. Coleman USS Whitney Santa Barbara, CA
Robert Louis Mason USS California Yakima, WA
Robert P. Coles Jr. USS Bagley Machias, ME
Duane H. Reyelts USS Oklahoma St. Augustine, FL
Everett Harry Dering USS West Virginia Napa, CA
Wilbur “Bill” Kenneth USS Pennsylvania Lakeport, CA
Walter F. Going Schofield Barracks Columbia, SC
John Tait USS St. Louis Concord, CA
Spurgeon Dallas Keeth Schofield Barracks Hammond, OR
PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION REPORT OF DEATH Unit or station on December 7th:__________________________________________________________ Name:________________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Date of death: _________________ Services: ______________ Funeral Home:_____________________ Interment: ____________________________________ Continue sending Remembrance? Yes No Next of kin: __________________________________ Relationship:______________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Remarks:______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Form prepared by: _________________________ Relationship:____________________Date:_________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ PLEASE INCLUDE AN OBITUARY NOTICE, IF POSSIBLE
This form is available online at grams.pacifichistoricparks.org/PDFs/Report-of-Death.pdf Please complete and mail to: Edean Saito, Special Projects Manager Pacific Historic Parks, 94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd., Waipahu, HI 96797
(Continued from page 11) was the only one that had bunks at that time. All the other battleships they slept in hammocks. Ship started listing? Walking on a ship is you know how it is when you’re walking on a ship when its rough seas. Well that was just like how the Oklahoma was. By the time I got out of the main hatch the water was almost ready to come over the railings. As soon as I got out of the hatch I started to crawl up the ship to go over as the ship was rolling over. I was trying to get away from the water of course the water had not come over yet. But we had a water line coming from the forehead across to the Maryland on to the Oklahoma. I got a hold of that water line and I hand over hand myself up. The water hadn’t come over the main deck yet. By the time I got off the ship she was rolling, capsizing. I was trying to crawl up hand over hand to get over as the ship was rolling over. How did you get off the ship? We were tied up alongside the Maryland. The Oklahoma had the blisters, she was the only ship that had blisters at the time. The Maryland had sand bags hanging over the side so the two ships wouldn’t rub together. As I was going over I just took one big leap. And I got ahold of one of the lines. I hoisted myself aboard the Maryland. The fire was coming between the two ships, the Maryland and the Oklahoma, from the Arizona and a lot of smoke and you know the water was pretty rough, a lot of white caps. I didn’t want to get in the water because I was afraid of that fire. A lot of oil and when you see those guys walking through that fire, it’s not a pleasant feeling and I don’t even like to talk about it. Once you were on board the USS Maryland what did you do? I can’t remember but there was a lot of smoke and I can’t remember what I saw. I think I saw maybe one Japanese plane maybe more going over head. They were firing the 1.1s. I thought I’d just go over there and help them pass 16 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018
ammunition. I had someone give me a few instructions and that’s what I did. Pass on the ammunition. Things quieted and right after that was when I went ashore. My uncle who was on the Oklahoma told us what happened to him. The only reason he survived, he was in the 14 inch in the handing room. Down in the barbettes where they keep the projectiles. He was a little skinny guy and he got into the hoist as the ship capsized. He said you should have heard the noise when those projectiles broke loose. They would get into a compartment and they would stay till the water was up to their neck. Then they would tap on the bulkhead to see what compartment in the area they were in was empty. They could tell by the tap if there was any water in there. When the
water gets up to their neck you got to remember that the ship is capsized and they’re upside down. They open up another compartment some water would rush in but they still had enough air so that they could still breathe. Do you know how many days later when you saw your uncle? It seemed like a couple of days. I am a little lost on some of that. I can’t remember what happened. When you’re busy trying to survive there’s something you can’t remember. Maybe you don’t want to remember. Do you have a story to share? Every person’s story is significant and unique. Please email us at oralhistories@pacifichistoricparks.org or call us toll free at (888) 332-1941.
A World War II Fighter Pilot Remembered A
frequent visitor to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, retired Captain Jerome Yellin, Army Air Corps veteran who served in World War II between 1942 and 1945, died December 21 at his son Steven Yellin’s home in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 93.
Yellin enlisted two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on his 18th birthday. After graduating from Luke Air Field as a fighter pilot in August 1943, he spent the remainder of the war flying P-40, P- 47 and P-51 combat missions in the Pacific with the 78th Fighter Squadron.
of World War II on August 14, 1945 – the day the war ended. Yellin landed on Iwo Jima to discover that the war had ended three hours earlier when Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender. For Yellin, the war was a hellish necessity, essential for halting the spread of Nazism and Japanese aggression. But he also spoke forthrightly about its costs, including the mental anguish over memories of combat. Yellin soon began speaking to other veterans who struggled to adapt to civilian life, and in 2010 he co-founded Operation Warrior Wellness to help veterans learn Transcendental Meditation.
He participated in the first land-based fighter mission over Japan, on April 7, 1945, and also has the unique distinction of having flown the final combat mission
(Continued from page 7) Crewmembers also benefited from participation in the project. Mia Lizama reflected on her participation, “There are lots of beautiful park [units] to carry the memory of those who gave their lives for our freedom. I gained more social interaction skills. I also learned a lot more about World War II and how it affected my island and its people.” Ivalani Doses contemplated her new skills as well, “I learned so many things here at the Day at the Museum program. Like the history of Guam and how the Americans conquered Guam from the Japanese invasion. I also learned how to do make-up to make others look old.” Many of the
His military honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, and in recent years he served as the national spokesman for the Spirit of ‘45, a nonprofit organization that promotes the legacy of World War II veterans.
actors’ monologues were performed as senior citizens reflecting on their wartime experiences. Crew members had to research and practice techniques for applying wrinkles or whitening hair. Aoki summed up the project’s success, “The final product was a success in that we achieved our goals for the project. For these 14 kids, I think it was MOST valuable…The other students got a taste of it, so for the academic aspect of it, it was valuable for them…”
Joseph Quichocho, as Ben Blaz, performs his monologue as though he were giving a speech to his graduating class at the University of Notre Dame. He reflects on his experiences on Guam and ponders what his future will hold in the Marines after graduation. Brigadier General Ben Blaz became the first Chamoru brigadier general in the Marine Corps. Blaz served as Guam’s delegate to Congress after he retired from the military.
Joseph Quichocho, as Ben Blaz, poses with NPS Interpretation Ranger Kina Lewis after his performance. REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018 | 17
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 MEMORY OF Everett G. Windle, Seaman 2nd Class, USN USS Oklahoma Katharine Bratton
Ronald E. Lemley Barbara Meindl
Dewey H. Chew Gail Ann Chew
Aurther “Bud” Hess, USN Lee Bleves, USA John Montgomery, USN (Ret.)
Phillip Gregory III Lara Constable
Thomas Lee Munkus Daniel Munkus
Harold Keith Stephanie Cosgrove
Bernard J. Wiczulis Lou Weaver Dale E. Cormany Charles William Richelieu
Cdr. Joesph C. Engel Angie Engel
William Montero Jeanette Rodriguez
Cecilia Tolentino Flores Nona Flores Haile (Jake) Jaekel, Pearl Harbor Survivor Merle L. Jaekal Kristine L Haile CDR Charlie R Jones, USN (Ret.) Charlie Jones Jr. William Allen Marc Kuhn Tomb of the Unknown Heidi Lund Ferry Schoonover, USA Rick L McClellan
Jerry Ahrenstein Eric G Anderson Nathan A Anderson Scott T Antinoro Glenn E Armstrong Frank B Austin Miles Baidack Robert L Baroni Jr. Leigh W Barrett Steven Bauer Martin L Belko
Edward Butkiewicz, Pearl Harbor Survivor, USS San Francisco Mary Ann Shere
Jerry D. Tessaro, CSC U.S. Navy (Ret.), Pearl Harbor Survivor Rita G Tessaro Mitchell L. Wong Dennis Wong
IN HONOR OF Anthony Vericella Gail Ann Chew
Adolph Maichrowicz Michael Maichrowicz
Jack Rogo, Pearl Harbor Survivor David Collier
Donald Stratton, USN James Graff, USA Andrew Watson, USA David Hruska, USA David McClellan, USN Rick L McClellan
Thomas E. Desmond Joseph Desmond Dr. S. Sol Flores Nona Flores
Lt. H. Grant Stoddard Eugene Smith James Arnold Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter Godfrey Richard Stoddard
Kim S. Orlando - LTC- USA (101st Airborne) Ft. Campbell, KY Charles E Gamble II
James D. Sylvester, USS Boggs-DMS3 Christine Sylvester
George Lee Hargis Elmer Ross Hargis Ross Hargis Damon Kuhn Marc Kuhn
Regina Leveen Rita E Dier Edward Semerad Caroline Leveen Anthony Yandoli
Richard Kist WWII USMC Albert O’Brien, USA, WWII Merchant Marines Wanda O’Brien Daniel Coon Jeanette Rodriguez John H Vincent John H Vincent John Brown, E-6 USA (Ret.) Amber Marcoux Wilcox
Special thanks to Thomas Millsap
Joseph Bell Stephen E Benefiel Vickie Benjamin Donald C Bergh H. Jean Birnbaum Ima J Black Robert S Brant Gary Carlington Donald K Cavallero Clinton Cavett Claire C Chong
Manuel Ciarcia Richard E Clapp Jim and Laurie Clark Samuel Clower Kenneth Coates Stan Cohen Robert Converse Combat Artist Collection Shirley D Cowell Dixie L Cranford Betty J Criner
Edward Curry Napua Dahlquist Ingeborg Davis William A Delaney Frank DeNave Arthur W Diehl David Dix John W Drew II Erik Eck Paul Eckman Herbert J Elfring
To donate, call (808) 954-8726 or visit www.pacifichistoricparks.org. 18 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2018
Michael A Ellicott Dorothy Ene Lawrence Enomoto James Falcon Michael Feldman Nancy K Finn Alan R Fleming Colleen Forkel James K Frank Scott Fulkerson Edward K Funkhouser
Peter Garton Charles Gillman Google Adwords Michael B Gordon Jay C Groff Jr. Roger Grosnick GRoW @ Annenberg Vincent J Guinee III Angelica Hacker Patricia Hangach Amanda Harding Jackson L Harris Debbie Becker Hassed Charles B Heite Tina M Hendrix Jack Henkels Howard Hertz Olav C Holst Thomas Imke Jacqueline L Jackson David H Juedes Kelvin N Kaapana Troy Kaneshiro Dawn M Kappel John W Kendrick Linda L Kennedy Timothy M Kennedy James W Kimmerly John A Kitterman William Knott III Karl P Kraemer Pat Kraemer Carlton Kramer David Krigbaum Selma Kull Carol Lancaster Tammie and Jay Lavallee David Leatherman James H Lee Andrew Lockwood Patricia A Lucas Jodi Luscomb George C Matis Martin McElroy Michael D Mercure Ronald Michl Dennis L Miendersma Edward M Miklavcic Sr. Jack H Moore David H Mueller Tatsuya Murakawa George B Murdaugh National Park Foundation Frank C Nave Dennis Nelson George Nelson Jeffrey G Newton Mark A Norman Michael O’Brien Pacific Islands Institute, Ltd. David F Pacion George H Pann Richard H Patnaude Robert J Paton John Patterson
Arlene Patuc Daniel E Pepping Andrea Perkins Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Gregory A Phillips Keith J Plavec Pamela Poley Clif Purkiser Yvonne Randle Hilary B Reeves Douglas C Reyes Sylvia Reynolds Rodger J Risch Barry Roberson Andrew J Rogozinski Joanne Rombalski Phillip J Ronish Shawn T Ruby Kenneth A Russell Stefano Russo David Sakai Wanda A Sartain Alby L Saunders Michael T Sgro Ronald E Siedentop James Skelton Rhonda Smith Thomas R Smith John A Smouse Kathryn M Snyder Brandon Spry Derrick D Suciu Yuriko Sugimura Jill L Swanson Willard Taft Larry W Tilbury Mabel LM Tom Viet Cuong Tran Bill Tuccillo Truist USS Corry Association #817 Aileen B Utterdyke James R Valdez Jr. Victor J Viviani Donald R Vogrin Marion Vowell Paul Vranish Steven L Walesh Thomas Walters Elisabeth A Wells Howard E Wilkes Robert K Wilson Charlene Miranda Wood John Andrew Woodring Hiromu Yogi Scott Yoshiki Patrick Zuchelli
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 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. I already have a planned gift set up for Pacific Historic Parks. Please specify type: _________________________ Pacific Historic Parks may recognize my membership in The Legacy Society in its publications. _________________________________________________ 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).
94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd. Waipahu, Hawaii 96797