Hawaii’s Hidden Military Memorials By COL Peter Hirai and Mr. Eric Kimura The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) houses four (4) monuments to commemorate the December 7th, 1941 attack. All are within the Controlled Industrial Area (CIA) that prevents access unless someone is cleared for entry. Each is a bronze plaque mounted on a concrete base and specifically denotes an action that occurred on that fateful morning. The plaques are difficult to read so each plaque photo is accompanied by a transcription.
MONUMENT Number / Name:
Each memorial plaque is in proximity to US Navy ships that were severely damaged during the attack with accompanying loss of life. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the attack that brought the United States into World War II, let us not forget the Greatest Generation that fought bravely, many making the ultimate sacrifice, for our nation. Special thanks to Mr. Eric Kimura, supervising engineer at PHNSY, for providing the research, photographs, and narratives from each plaque. It is through Mr. Kimura’s work that the significant history of the shipyard and it’s critical role during the attack and the entire World War II effort is properly documented and preserved.
Inscription on the plaque of Marker #2: At 0910, 7 December 1941 near this spot, the destroyer USS Shaw and the tug Sotoyomo were drydocked in floating drydock No. 2. Enemy dive bombers inflicted grave damage sinking the drydock and severely damaging the Shaw and the Sotoyomo. 9
2. USS Shaw and Tug Sotoyomo Memorial 3. USS Pennsylvania, USS Cassin & USS Downes 4. USS Helena & USS Ogala 5. USS Honolulu
Inscription on marker #3: At 0910, 7 December 1941 enemy dive bombers attacked the USS Pennsylvania and the destroyers Cassin and Downes then in drydock No. 1 near this spot. The Pennsylvania later took part in many engagements against the enemy, but the Cassin and Downes were damaged beyond
