Even if you had no ancestors stationed in Hawaii during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, your parents, grandparents, great grandparents were deeply affected by this sudden bombing of U. S. Naval ships and facilities. In remembering on this 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is of benefit to examine some of the resources about the people and events surrounding this historical period that are now available.
A very good and informative Internet site covers all of World War II, but has an excellent section on just the ‘Attack on Pearl Harbor‘. Added with the information are some 121 photographs of the attack and aftermath of the location (scroll down about 10 paragraphs and the link for the photos is on the right and at the bottom of the page). It also offers a timeline of events running from November 3, 1941 to December 31, 1941.
On the National Parks Service there is a nice presentation to view about the USS Arizona National Memorial to those who died during the December 7th attack and the special ceremonies being held on the 70th anniversary.
With some 2,402 people of all ages, positions and locations that died that day, there is a site with all the names; Pearl Harbor List. Most people believe it was only sailors on the numerous U. S. Navy ships that died, but the bombs dropped everywhere and many civilians in Honolulu were killed along with military personal at Hickam Army Field, Ft. Kamehameha and Wheeler Field. Here is just a small sampling of some of the names not always known and remembered: Barbara June Ornellas, age 8, a civilian, died in Honolulu; Pvt. George A. Moran in the U.S. Army stationed at Hickam Field; and the Hirasaki Family (mother and three children) in Honolulu. Add to that the 1,247 people wounded during the attack.
Another list breaks down the casualties to locations (Hickam Field, USS Curtiss, USS Tennessee, Schofield Barracks, etc) and with individual names and any additional information about each person.
With such a cross section of people from many locations in America, there just may be a few familiar surnames. In memory of those who suffered and died that day; take the time to review the list. Also make a point to interview and record the memories of any family members who were around in 1941 and their reactions to the news of December 7th.
One major event that happened just hours prior to the attack on Hawaii was the dedication of the new, state-of-arts aircraft gunnery training facility which opened near Panama City, Fl, named Tyndall Air Field after World War I hero, Lt. Frank Tyndall of Florida.
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