A Day That Will Live in Infamy

Today is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, when America was attacked by surprise by the Japanese, bringing us completely into World War 2.  A week later, Hitler declared war on America to back up his Axis partners.  That day, Churchill said he would get his first night’s sleep in ages, because he knew with America in the war on his side, they would eventually win.

I was in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1990, active duty until 1989.  I worked at Hickam Air Force Base in Hangar 11.  I was with the 15th Air Base Wing as an Avionics Guidance Control Systems Specialist.  Every day, I saw the markings on the wall from the Japanese attack, and one day, while searching the roof for leaks, found more bomb damage that had to be repaired, along with memorabilia that is now in the museum.

Let us never forget, peace if fleeting, evil is ever present, and our military are the ones who pay the price to keep us free.

I will show you what Hangar 11 looked like then and now:

Hangar 11 then.

Hangar 11 then.

Hangar 11 when I worked there.  Bullet marks from the strafing.  I played basketball on a court there at work, beneath a B-18 hoist and instructions.

Hangar 11 when I worked there. Bullet marks from the strafing. I played basketball on a court there at work, beneath a B-18 hoist and instructions.

Hangar 11 on December 7th after attack.

Hangar 11 on December 7th after attack.

Hangar 11 today, what it looked like when I worked there is very similar.

Hangar 11 today, what it looked like when I worked there is very similar.

Base Entrance

Base Entrance

3 Comments

Filed under Humor and Observations

3 responses to “A Day That Will Live in Infamy

  1. Thank you for your service. I was in the Army Nurse Corps during desert storm. Thank you, Alesia

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    • Michael Bradley's avatar Michael Bradley

      Thank you for your service as well. I was in during a good time, in that Ronald Reagan was my Commander-in-Chief. After the Viet Nam War and then the Iran Hostage Crisis, the world viewed as a paper tiger. Reagan rebuilt the military and made us proud to serve. I almost went to several conflicts, including being on the plane ready to go, but each time my unit was cancelled at the last minute. You who had to go into hostile fire deserve the real praise.

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