In "The Day the Honolulu Fire Department Went to War," John E. Bowen, (Hawaiian Journal of History, Vol. 13, 1979) tells the story of the Honolulu Fire Department responding to assist with fires raging at Hickam Field.
"At 0826, a Japanese aerial bomb was dropped on crews from Engine Co.1, 4, and 6. 3 firefighters, Captain John Carreira, Captain Thomas S. Macy, and Hoseman Harry T.L. Pang were killed. An additional 6 were wounded from shrapnel. They were Lieutenant Fred Kealoha, Hoseman Moses Kalilikane, Hoseman John A. Gilman, Hoseman Solomon H. Naauao, Hoseman Patrick J. McCabe, and Hoseman George Correa."
Three years later, in 1944 they all were awarded the Order of the Purple Heart. They are the only civilian firefighters to have received this award.
Then, in 1943, Mayor Petrie presented the widow of each firefighter with $2000 compensation and a citation from praising her husband’s bravery. The citation read: “Bravery far beyond the call of duty amid a rain of bombs and under withering machine gun attack in an effort to save…and protect…the lives of the people.” (Honolulu Advertiser April 21, 1943, p, 3)
PHOTOS: Hickam Field on December 7, 1941. (Department of the Army)
2 comments:
Fascinating information contained here. Both of my parents were there - my dad serving in the Navy and his new wife. They lived off base in a shack that was in a cluster of shacks where a few couples lived. The women endured 5 days of no communication before they learned their husbands were alright.
Both of my parents are still living and often tell of their experiences while in Hawaii.
This is a great story, My husbands grandmother to whom which is 96, helped build ships in California during WW11. Her mind is still sharp and I love hearing her talk about all the things she has done in her life and seen for that matter!
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