JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - Today, December 6th, 1941, the Sea Dragons conducted a ceremony to add Coastal Artillery memorabilia to the 94th historical display case and hang plaques to remember the survivors and our heroes of the Anti-Aircraft Artillerymen who fought on December 7th, 1941.
Col.(R) John Hansen was present to add the garrison cover that belonged to his father, Pvt. Henry Hansen, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Pvt. Henry Hansen was assigned to C Battery, 64th Coast Artillery (AA) at Fort Shafter. On December 7th, 1941, the 3-inch guns assigned to the battery had been dismantled to prepare for an inspection when the attack began. Pvt Hansen’s crew had to re-assemble the 3-inch guns, convoy through heavy traffic to Aliamanu Bunker to pick up ammunition, and then convoy across Hickam Field to their battle position at Ahua Point.
Pvt. Hansen later deployed to Guam with the 64th and was instrumental in clearing Japanese soldiers in the vicinity of Andersen Field. PVT Hansen rose to the rank of Staff Sgt. and was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions supporting the 64th Coast Artillery (AA).
A video recording of a poem written by Staff Sgt. (R) George Blake, a survivor of the attack was played, and a printed copy was added to the display. Staff Sgt. Blake was able to attend virtually, thanks to the efforts of Ms. Pam Self, Colorado Veterans Home Marketing Director.
Finally, Col. Matthew Dalton, 94th AAMDC Deputy Commander, unveiled four new plaques commemorating Staff Sgt. Blake and Staff Sgt. Hansen's contributions to our great nation.
Also present was Col.(R) Chris Moylan, the first 94th AAMDC G3 and a long-time Coastal Artillery advocate. The families of Col. Hansen and Col. Moylan were able to attend virtually.
The command will follow up today's ceremony with the formal Pearl Harbor Attack Coastal Artillery Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Kamehameha tomorrow.
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