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Hickam pays tribute to Airmen's storied legacy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
  • 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Returning visitors to Hickam provided a living glimpse to a past filled with stories of heroism, honor and valor during a rare opportunity on hallowed ground Dec. 7.

On the very site that Old Glory never left her post while under attack, Airmen and their families gathered at Hickam's historic flag pole for the 68th Remembrance Ceremony to honor those men and women who lost their lives in the infamous Japanese attack of Dec. 7, 1941.

"On a similar morning 68 years ago on these very grounds, our world changed forever," said Col. Giovanni Tuck, 15th Airlift Wing commander. "The Japanese attack on Hickam Field -- 'a day that will live in infamy,' stated by the president to Congress -- was one of the defining moments in U.S. military history."

The Hickam Honor Guard raised the flag while The Pacific Air Forces Band, Hana Hou, performed the National Anthem. Four 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, F-15s flew a four-ship missing man formation during the ceremony.

Coinciding with a ceremony conducted by the U.S. Navy at the Arizona Memorial, the Hickam ceremony featured a performance of "Lest We Forget," a song written by Chief Master Sgt. Larry MacTaggart, Hana Hou. At the end, the Honor Guard's rifle report from a three volley salute resounded over Atterbury Circle, the site of the flag pole. Taps followed.

"The story of the largest airborne attack force ever assembled by the Imperial Japanese Navy is one worth remembering just is it was," said Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James "Duke" Aiona, Jr., the guest speaker. "No exaggeration is needed for effect. No tall tale is needed to help us remember. It is a story that lives forever in our hearts and it has united us in a common memory."

An unannounced military strike conducted by the Japanese against the U.S. naval base and Army Air Corps air fields on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, just before 8 a.m., thrust the U.S. into World War II. The largest airborne force ever assembled by the Imperial Japanese Navy launched from the decks of aircraft carriers with the intent to cripple the U.S. Navy Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor. To eliminate air opposition, they furiously struck Hickam, Wheeler and Bellows Fields.

Stories of heroism provided a glimpse into the past; stories about Airmen watching the first wave of attacks from the windows in their homes immediately recognizing the call of duty, despites pleas from their wives to stay home; stories about civilians who understood the need to save important financial documentation, eventually giving their lives in the attempt; and stories about an officer who opened a manhole cover during the attack to protect fleeing men from the consolidated barracks, giving his life in the effort to save every man who entered the whole.

"The attack on Dec. 7, 1941 steeled America's resolve and brought out the best in our nation during its darkest hour," Governor Aiona said. "Which I believe is a testament to all those involved."

Among the guest in the crowd were several Hickam Field survivors of the attacks and their family members. Mrs. Sylvia Phillips is the widow of Maj. (Ret.) Claude Phillips, then a technical sergeant who rushed to a hangar to man the gun of a damaged B-17. He is credited with shooting down a Japanese Zero and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions.

Col. (Ret.) Vane Ward Burnett, represented by his widow Helen Hurnett and sons, Ira and George, was an Avaiation Cadet on duty at Hickam Field's Communications Center. He witnessed the attack on Hickam Field and Pearl Harbor from the second floor windows of the building. Colonel Burnett passed away in Nov. 21, 2009.

Col. Sam Barrett, 15th AW vice commander, represented his mother's cousin, Tech. Sgt. Charles Brunson, who survived the multiple Japanese attacks on Hickam. He was killed six-months later in New Zealand as a crewman aboard a B-17 that crashed during take-off with a full bomb load.

U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Col. Andrew Kowalski, was a master sergeant in the consolidated barracks, now the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters. On the morning of the attacks he was designated the casualty control officer.

"It was a fancy name for counting the dead," Colonel Kowalski recalls. "The bodies were laid out everywhere. It was a sad day seeing people trying to identify who was still alive. Very traumatic."

After witnessing the ceremony 68 years after the infamous day he survived, he fought to choke back tears remembering and talking about the events that transpired.

"Events like this bring back these memories," the 95-year-old man said. "You feel grateful and humble that the good Lord has given you this long life; and you hope that you have used it rather than abused it."

The veteran's stories from that day in 1941 are becoming more and more legendary as the generation to have survived this attack gets older.

"They help us perpetuate the legacy of that fateful day as a living tribute to the character and service to an entire nation," said Lieutenant Governor. "Sixty-eight years later we continue to gather with great conviction to honor those brave men and women who lost their lives. In all, 189 men died at Hickam Field, members of the greatest generation -- gone."

To the veterans and their surviving family members present, "We draw from all of you great strength and know you have placed a sacred trust in all of us who wear the uniform," Colonel Tuck said. "You have entrusted our great nation into your very capable hands -- we will not let you down. You are the foundation on which our United States Air Force stands and will certainly not forget."