Very Good Dec. 7 book

[Randygh]

I just finished reading a great book on Pearl Harbor. It's titled, "Pearl Harbor Ghosts--The Legacy of December 7, 1941." Authored by Thurston Clarke. It is an easy read, 250p paperback. It details what life was like for sailors and Army aircorp servicemen just before Dec 7, the true story of the forewarnings, who screwed up, the actual attack, and how the first and second generation local Japanese residents were very loyal, for the most part, and thought the attack was reprehensible. The author also details that some efforts to bring together some of the Japanese pilots and PH survivors have been unsccessful. Some PH survivors still have alot of antipathy against the Japanese that attacked in such a sneaky manner.

Some of the interesting facts from the book: 40% of Honolulu's population on Dec 7 was Japanese, very few of Oahu's Japanese were interred in mainland concentration camps, Japanese residents formed a fighting brigade in Europe that was one of the most highly decorated during WWII.

I highly recommend this well written book.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Randy, a friend, Pearl harbor survivor, who recently passed away, told me of his efforts to bring Japanese to HI for the 50th Anniversary. They were skeptical but he got to meet the pilot of the plane that torpedoed his ship West Virgina and they recall seeing each other with Richard on the bridge watching as the torpedo bomber dropped its load and flew overhead. This pilot thanked Richard for saving his life... He was scheduled to kamakazi duty just prior to the A bomb being dropped and Japan finally surrendering. As thanks, he sent Richard money every month to buy roses and play taps (Richard was a bugler) at the AZ Memorial as thanks. The pilot has two daughters and a wife. Both daughters are successful doctors and he is very thankful everyday for his family and life.

I could add more, but I think you get the jest...

The 50th closed up a lot of wounds for both sides...

[dumluck53]

Thanks for the heads up, Randy. That would make a good gift for my Dad. He is 87 yrs. old and is a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He was a gunners mate on the California. I grew up hearing about Pearl Harbor and I would get a head slap if I didn't recognize Pearl Harbor Day every Dec 7th.

He is very passionate about that day. Thanks again.

[II Lucky]

Doug, what a great sidebar. I remember being on the Az. Memorial and feeling such great
Patriotism and then being thoroughly disgusted with the Japanese tourists that were jabbering and snapping pictures. I really felt that there was lack of respect but maybe there was another side I had not considered.

[Randygh]

Doug--Your friend's (Richard) story is detailed in the book and does mention the Japanese pilot's thankfulness for the atomic bombs ending the war. The book also mentions the Pearl Harbor Survivors group and how it has grown with first and second generations of the survivors. One of the most interesting points of the book was how the Japanese pilots seemed to enjoy themselves. Several pilots were seen smiling and waving to sailors as they flew incredibly low over the ship at which they just launched a torpedo. Also, the author noted how we hated the Japanese sneak attack as not a fair way to wage war. Hmmm. I don't think Hitler told the Poles or Russians he was coming.

As stated numerous times previously in this forum, every American owes a debt of gratitude to our veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. Freedom isn't free and our form of government is still an infant when looking at how civilizations have governed themselves throughout history. I predict that two hundred years from now the U.S. won't exist as it does today.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Yes, He went by shorten Version of Richard, but every time I type it, it is changed to ****. His last name was Fisk. Great guy I spoke to every time we went to Hawaii (16 times). We'd go the AZ every trip to pay homage and went on Friday AM when the PHS (Pearl Harbor Survivors) would be there to talk about that fateful day. I have several post cards signed by Fisk showing him on the bridge of the WV just before the AZ blew and threw him in the water. I have several stories from the men who were there I'd share if anyone wants to talk December 7th or the war in the Pacific some time on the docks...

I am definitely going to get a copy of that book Randy. thanks...

[Fanaddicts]

Richard Fiske's Story
Richard Fiske
Marine Corps Reserve
USS West Virginia
Master Sergeant (Retired)http://www.pearlharborstories.org/sites/pearlharborstories.org/files/thumbnails/200x200-FISKE.jpg
Richard Fiske was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 26, 1922. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1940. Following Field Music School, he was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48) as a Marine Private bugler on July 6, 1940.

At 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, Richard was on the quarterdeck when the attack began. He witnessed the Japanese planes coming in and launching their torpedoes towards his ship. There were nine torpedoes and two bombs that would eventually destroy the battleship. After the first torpedo hits, Richard rushed to his battle station which was on the navigation bridge. A few minutes later, he witnessed the captain's death.

At about 9:30 a.m., the crew was ordered to abandon the sinking ship. Richard swam to nearby Ford Island. Richard remained assigned to the USS West Virginia until January of 1944 when he was promoted to Field Musician Sergeant and was transferred to the 5th Marine Division. He participated in the landing and the bloody battle for the Japanese stronghold on Iwo Jima in 1945.

After the war, Richard enlisted in the newly established United States Air Force in 1948. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a Crew Chief. He retired from the Air Force in 1969 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Richard began volunteering at the USS Arizona Memorial in 1982. Often referred to one of the park's many goodwill ambassadors, he had a special duty that he performed. Richard was given the honor of dedicating roses once a month at the USS Arizona Memorial on behalf of Mr. Zenji Abe, a Japanese pilot who participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor. After placing the fowers in front of the names of the casualties from the USS Arizona, he played "Taps" on his bugle. The flowers were paid for by Mr. Abe and Richard continued to do this tribute for several years.

His narrations to visitors at the USS Arizona Memorial emphasized that the war had ended a long time ago and that good relations now existed between the United States and Japan. The Japanese pilots who attacked Oahu were following their orders and he no longer felt bitterness from their actions. His pursuits drew accolades here and abroad. In 1996, he received the Order of the Rising Sun with Silver Rays from the Japanese emperor. In January of 2004, he was honored by U.S. Secretary Gale Norton and Hawaii Governor, Linda Lingle for contributing more than 3,OOO hours of time to the USS Arizona Memorial. Richard Fiske passed way on April 2, 2004 at the age of 82.

TRIBUTE TO PEARL HARBOR IN PHOTOS
http://www.nostalgicmemoriesbylea.com/arizonamemorial.html

http://www.nostalgicmemoriesbylea.com/Fordisland.html