Today is Pearl Harbor day, 72 years ago today when the Japanese attacked the U. S. Navel Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Crittenden County had one native son to lose his life that fateful day, that terrible day in history when the peaceful harbor at Hawaii was attached. His name was Thomas Collins, son of Thomas and Janie Collins.
Thomas W. Collins was born August 8, 1921, and enlisted at Louisville in the Navy, on Nov. 8, 1939, as Apprentice Seaman. He was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station for seamanship instruction, and later transferred to the USS Downs. He was stationed at the U. S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbon in the Hawaiia Islands, and was listed as Fireman 3rd Class, while attached to the Downs a destroyer ship.
He was killed on December 7, 1941, in the Japanese attack on the Hawaiian base.
His body arrived in the states in October 1947, a Military funeral was held at the home of his brother, Eugene Collins and his remains were buried in the Rock Springs Cemetery in Wheatcroft, Ky next to his father.
*****************
Wilbur K. Hunt, another Crittenden Countains, was awarded the Silver Star for Conspicuous Gallantry in Action on December 7, 1941.
The Silver Star is presented to Wilbur K. Hunt, Technical Sergeant, U. S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action while serving with the 22d Material Squadron during the attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941.
Technical Sergeant Hunt performed exceptional service and displayed outstanding bravery in assisting the Squadron Commander of the 22d Material Squadron in dispersing the squadron under fire and bombardment of positions of vantage to deliver return fire and to secure adequate cover and safety, thus contributing in reducing the number of battle casualties.
The heroism displayed by Technical Sergeant Hunt on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
No comments:
Post a Comment