Living with the Pearls: Pearls of Honor Author blog

Upholding the Oath... A Duty to Remember.

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:26:00 +0000

Today, December 7th, 2012 marks the one year anniversary since the members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association (PHSA) last officially participated in a "Pearl Harbor Day" of remembrance.

One year ago, the National Chapter of the PHSA voted to not renew their status as a Congressionally chartered organization... believing that 70 years of carrying out their solemn oath to "Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert" was long enough... noting their members' declining health, or lack of mobility and most of all, too much bureaucratic paperwork required to keep the organization legally operating.

And with those sad facts, nearly all of the remaining local PHSA Chapters across the nation dissolved their organizations... while a select few opted to continue their efforts in an unofficial capacity for as long as their members deemed it possible.

As for my part, I believe my body of work over the past 13 years in support of the PHSA as an Honorary Member speaks for itself… at least when asked if I upheld my duties to their cause…

… and since acting as a duty-bound Honorary Member, I've held my personal opinions and commentary to myself with regards to my experiences as a whole… as far as any Internet blogging is concerned.

But now, I believe it’s time to take this wonderful tool that the Pearls of Honor.com website is… in a different direction.

When I was first being sworn-in as an Honorary Member, part of my oath was to “Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert”… a saying I kept coming back to over and over… and asking myself…

“Keep America Alert”... “Alert to what?”

A rhetorical question you say?... not so fast.

Properly, a rhetorical question is one in which the person asking the question does not actually hope for an answer. (Source)

I do.

Late in the year 2000, as I was being sworn-in as a new Honorary Member of the San Diego PHSA Chapter, I was also acting as a contributing editor to the San Diego-based monthly newspaper The Veterans Journal… a local paper with quite a few devoted veteran readers.

The owner and Managing Editor, David Brown (may he Rest in Peace) gave me wide latitude in offering up whatever topics and information I thought our readers would be interested in.

Given this opportunity, and being pestered by this nagging question noted above, I initiated a series of monthly articles entited… “Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert… Alert to What?”

I was implicitly asking each and every veteran if they could name any of the myriad specific threats this nation faced.

Remember… this was early 2001.

The series was based upon my premise that many of the veterans I had met in the broader veteran community were very well-versed on all-things relating to the day to day issues with veterans affairs across the nation, but it seemed as though few if any were concerned with, or followed with any interest, the myriad national security issues I had been following ever since my service in the Navy in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Cyber warfare?... what’s that? Chinese Omni-directional Warfare?... what’s that? Transnational threats defined as radical Islamic terror groups colluding with international narco-traffickers?... never heard of such a thing.

Each month I provided top-notch, national security think-tank articles for our veteran readers… knowing two things at that time; most older veterans were either completely computer illiterate, or were just beginning their quests into cyberspace… and, that nowhere else would they find such things in print while at their favorite barber shop, or while waiting for the V.A. bureaucrats to call their number.

Just as we were getting ready to send our October edition to the printers, a relatively unknown group of people from the “religion of peace” slaughtered a few thousand Americans who were similarly unaware of such ‘transnational threats”.

“Keep America Alert to What?”… “I Rest My Case!”… was all I wrote…

...in large print… superimposed over a full-page photo of the 600 mph airliner mere feet from the second tower.

Soon thereafter, The Veterans Journal took a massive shift in direction.

“Operation Homefront” was launched… an idea I conceived of just days after hearing the news that President Bush was ordering military troops to Afghanistan.

Having served in combat during Operation Desert Storm, my first thoughts were… “Those troops need to focus solely on the mission at hand… and they can’t do so if they’re worried about their wife and family back home.”

Hammering out the idea with David Brown, I began pestering the producer of the Roger Hedgecock Radio Show in San Diego with multiple emails… finally getting a response a week or so later.

Coaxing David into explaining the idea live on the radio… we hoped to have local businesses provide discounts to the families of those deployed overseas… such as help with a broken-down auto transmission, or help with home computer issues or any other discounts available.

The phones in our office began ringing off the hook as soon as the idea hit the airwaves.

As with many great ideas, close associates often become traitors to the cause.

Within a few weeks, one such associate took the Operation Homefront concept and incorporated it as a non-profit organization behind our backs… effectively stealing the now-going concern.

Driven by incessant promotion from the radio host noted above, Operation Homefront flowered into a nationally franchised organization over the next couple of years, complete with politicians shuffling into photo-ops showing their support for the cause.

Just a couple of years later, I found out that the “associate” noted above was fired from the organization for embezzling funds, among other things, and learned that many of the organization’s staff were making 6-figure incomes… a complete affront to the founding principles of “supporting the troops.”

That fiasco, among others never interrupted my love and affection for the friendships and work I was so-honored to have with the Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Even after moving to Las Vegas, I soon found myself once again being sworn-in as an Honorary Member… going from the largest Chapter in the country that was San Diego… to one of the smallest, that Las Vegas was what with only 6 active members.

Just like the San Diego Chapter, I soon found myself becoming close friends with the Survivors… and providing as much help as I could with their various public appearances in parades and veteran events.

But all the while, I was hog-tied by the rules of the organization… just as so many of the Survivors themselves were.

As a non-profit organization, they were not allowed to take any political stances or make any kind of statements that might be construed as politically divisive while in their official capacities, and that made many Survivors mutter under their breath at meetings the things they so passionately believed but were not allowed to voice publicly.

Similarly, I too was not allowed to make any political or divisive statements while working with the Survivors… and could only sit back and think.

Doesn’t this seem all-so contradictory to the PHSA’s whole reason for being?

These true American treasures built a national organization devoted to the sole purpose of keeping America and its government free from having to endure another Pearl Harbor type event… only to be told by that same government that any pronouncements they made implying any failure of that government to focus on such possible threats would be considered political and/or divisive, ergo, off limits.

Regardless of the dissolution of the Survivors Association, I still feel beholden to my duty to carry out my oath to “Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert!”… just as I believe every former member of the US military is beholden to their oath to “Uphold and defend the Constitution.”

And with this belief, I hope to utilize this Pearls of Honor.com blog to provide readers with various articles and links to articles that I believe are important to know in order to stay informed of the myriad threats this nation faces.

But as for this posting… I will only say this…

As I have told many of the Survivors personally, I have been honored beyond my wildest imaginations with the gift of “Honorary Member” that was bestowed upon me for the past 13 years… and I will both cherish and long remember the wonderful friendships and memories I was so-blessed to experience over those years...

... Traveling to Hawaii multiple times with the Survivors, attending veterans parades and memorial services, and most of all… just sitting down and listening to their words of wisdom as they reminisced over the years, and seeing their eyes light up as a young admirer asked for an autograph.

I hope and pray each and every Pearl Harbor Survivor and family member will have both a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

And even though I am now living in the heartland of America, I will continue to honor that oath to “Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert!”

With the greatest respect,

Dana F. Harbaugh

What are the odds???

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:15:00 +0000

What are the odds...

... that a Survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor... would die 70 years, TO THE HOUR, of December 7th, 1941... at 8:00am local Hawaii time? (see links to two associated articles below)

Photo: As I arrived at the registration booth for the 2008 Pearl Harbor Survivors Association (PHSA) National Convention in Fredricksberg, Texas, the first two Survivors I met were Frank Curre (left) and his pal William W. Crawley, (right) as they warmed up their sea stories for the days to come.

Photos(2): It seemed like every time I tried to speak with Frank, he once again would be pulled away for a news media interview... and he sure put his heart into each and every interview.

Frank loved his oath to "Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert"... and fulfilled that duty heroically.

Photo: And once again, amidst the throngs of people gathered on Main St. in Fredricksberg, Texas for the official Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies, the news media had Frank tied down.

What are the odds???....

What are the odds,... that as I made my way through the thousands of people on the street in Fredricksberg,...

TRYING to jockey for position to take a photo of the Texas Air National Guard's F-16's as they raced down the street and performed the "Missing Man" formation...

that none other than Frank Curre would wind up in the foreground of the photo, pointing up to the F-16's at the moment of the break-off for the Missing Man tribute?

What are the odds?

Source articles:
Texas Survivor Of Pearl Harbor Dies On Anniversary « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/12/09/143397830/a-survivors-duty-after-pearl-harbor-telling-the-story

The LAST Parade...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:14:00 +0000

11-11-11...

November 11, 2011 has turned out to be

the very LAST parade for

the Silver State Chapter 2, Las Vegas,

of the

Pearl Harbor Survivors Association

But they are not alone... PHSA Chapters across the nation have already closed down, or are seeing this upcoming December 7th, the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, as an appropriate time to close their books, and close their doors.

Even the PHSA's National Chapter has decided to call it "quits".

... And thankfully, the local Las Vegas news media were out early to get a final interview from the Survivors... Shown here, Las Vegas Chapter 2 President, Clifton Dohrmann may be a bit hard of hearing, but the wisdom and stories he tells most assuredly should be recorded.

I hope you will enjoy the following photos of Chapter 2's final official parade attendance... along with the estimated 40,000 spectators (source: News 13 Las Vegas)

... a snappy salute and a fond farewell are indeed in order.

(click photo to enlarge)

Boys Scouts from local Troop 430 arrived to march in escort of the Pearl Harbor Survivors

Providing his driving services for Survivors Hal LaLone and Ike Schab, retired US Navy LCdr Robert Reiter (green flight jacket) discusses final parade instructions with the Troop 430's Scout Master and Scouts.

One last group photo!... time to get in line!!!

Ok... Time to march... let's wrap up the interviews!

...But Ike KNOWS that his story is important... so just hold on a minute!

And their off!

...But the media thought one last interview with the President was important enough to walk alongside their vehicle as they recorded.
Chapter President Clifton Dohrmann enjoys the Scouts' personal escort.

Survivors Ike Schab (rear) and Hal LaLone (front) show off their huge smiles to all the families and friends waving along the parade route.

What a moving sight... taking photos from the motorcycle... I saw a man, who apparently was the son of a Pearl Harbor Survivor... standing alongside the parade route holding up his Dad's PHSA garrison cap and clutching a folded American flag.

Robert Reiter, LCdr USN(Ret) shakes hands with, and thanks Survivors Hal LaLone and Ike Schab for their service, upon finishing his driving duties at the end of the parade.
Is this the last time I'll see this view during a parade?...

Remember Pearl Harbor... and Keep America Alert!!!

Detailing with Honor...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:34:00 +0000

(Click on image for larger view)

What an awesome tribute!!!

Wizards Products, the leaders in high performance motorcycle and vehicle detailing products has honored us by placing a tribute to "Metal of Honor"... the Remember Pearl Harbor Tribute Motorcycle on the inside cover of their beautiful new 25th Anniversary product catalog.

Click here: To visit Wizard's website...
and help stimulate the economy!

True Honor, Fidelity, Love, Always

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:56:00 +0000

On Tuesday, 26 April, 2011, The Marine Corps League of Las Vegas became the proud recipient of a rare set of photos, donated by the President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Clifton Dohrmann.

Mr. Dohrmann was stationed at Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay as an Aircrewman flying aboard the famous Catalina PBY flying boats, at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941

While stationed at Kaneohe, he acquired two photographs of a rarely-heard-of Marine Corps Unit called the “Horse Marines”… and listed in the photos as the “Beach Patrol”

Given that Mr. Dohrmann is quickly approaching the age of 90, he decided it was time to donate the two photographs to the Marine Corps League’s Leatherneck Club, wherein the Marines have a beautiful collection of historical photographs.

Mr. Dohrmann told the crowd of League Members that he actually thought he was a Marine at times, given the countless number of times he found himself working so closely with them within his five combat tours during World War II… throughout the South Pacific on remote islands, and during search and rescue operations at Guadalcanal.

Prior to the photo presentation, Pearl Harbor Survivor Clifton Dohrmann takes time to meet a World Trade Center 9-11 Attack Survivor, and Sgt-at-Arms for the Marine Corps League… a true American brotherhood A great voice and flair for recounting history, Clifton tells of his gratitude towards the Marine Corps during World War II. Each and every Marine in attendance found Clifton to be the true American treasure he is.
Upon completion of Clifton’s presentation, he was provided a beautiful “Challenge Coin” from the Marine Corps league, and…

So grateful was the crowd at the Leatherneck Club, that they unanimously nominated Clifton to be their newest Honorary Life Member of the Marine Corps League
A warm transfer of ownership of the photographs helped to round out the presentation
A standing ovation and gratitude from all in attendance
Clifton took a moment at the end of his presentation to pose with two other “Survivors”… these being Survivors of the horrific battle for Iwo Jima.

And of course, Mrs Dohrmann was the proudest of all.

SEMPER FI... Clifton!

Update on Survivor Abuse case...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:17:00 +0000

The more we learn, the more infuriated the veteran community becomes...

Read this article...

Photo... Survivor Max Bauer, holding left side of banner... pauses with the rest of the gang from the San Diego chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association before the start of the 2005 4th of July Parade in Coronado, California.

Abusing those who provided your freedoms...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:36:00 +0000

Abusing those who provided your freedoms...

Pearl Harbor Survivor, found living in squalor... abused by caretaker...

Read the latest (Click here)

A picture of Max Bauer... Survivor off the USS Vestal, a Navy repair ship that was tied up next to the USS Arizona on the morning of the December 7th, 1941.

This picture was taken on the 60th Anniversary of the attack, in 2001, as Max stood and reflected upon the 1,177 Sailors and Marines that were killed within feet of where he was standing during the attack.

I've always wondered what Max was thinking at that moment.

A Christmas of Honor...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:54:00 +0000

What a wonderful gift Pearl Harbor Survivor Clifton Dohrmann of Las Vegas received from his loving wife Ginny.

For months, Ginny had been sneaking around trying to keep secret her intent to give Clifton a beautiful "shadow box" for Christmas.

A shadow box for military veterans usually displays an array of all their medals, ribbons and other awards or accouterments the veteran earned during their time in service to this country.

Pictured above... Christmas Eve as Clifton opened his gift.

Suffice it to say, Ginny was successful in keeping the gift a secret all these months.

Among Clifton's many awards, are two sets of Combat Aircrewman Wings with five stars, denoting five combat tours during World War II. He also was awarded the Air Medal, the Navy Commendation, a Combat Action Ribbon and quite a few more awards for his service in the U.S. Navy.

On December 7th, 1941, Clifton was an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, and Naval Aircrewman flying aboard the famous PBY Catalina aircraft, stationed at NAS Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu.

He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 15 years of service, and is currently the Vice President of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Silver State Chapter 2 of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Merry Christmas Clifton!

Aloha... from Hawaii...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:24:00 +0000

PLEASE.... Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert!

An Incredible Time...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:26:00 +0000

An "Honor" is only the first word that comes to mind after the incredible experience of being welcomed into the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin... as part of their recent Salute to Veterans.

During this past Salute to Veterans event during the Veterans Day, we were invited to place the "Metal of Honor" Pearl Harbor Tribute Motorcycle in the lobby of the Museum... and what an honor that was!!!

The entire staff of the Museum were incredible to work with... in that each and every employee exuded a kind of family teamwork and professionalism that reflects that iconic American attitude of "Get it done!"

It's an historical fact that the Harley-Davidson family has not only been there to help fight for America in the toughest of times, but continues to honor the sacrifices of the American fighting men and women for more than a century. Therefore: It could be said that the Harley-Davidson family indeed falls into the category of "Pearls of Honor!"

Thank you H-D....

A BOOK TAKEN FROM HD MUSEUM...PLEASE RETURN!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:38:00 +0000

On November 4th, someone mistakenly took my "Pearls of Honor" SAMPLE book...(as seen in this photo above)... from a table at the Harley Davidson Museum.

PLEASE... I'll be more than happy to pay for the postage... PLEASE return it to me... it has important notes and information that is vital to this book project.

Now THIS is big....

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:33:00 +0000

The Harley-Davidson Museum... located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has invited us to bring the Pearl Harbor Tribute Motorcycle (Metal of Honor)... for a week-long visit and presentation.

(see Facebook promo... and visit the HD Museum website)... http://www.hs.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136662783046115&ref=nf

Starting November 3rd, Metal of Honor will be on display in the Museum thru the weekend, and will help Harley-Davidson honor our military, both past and present during this upcoming Veterans Day.

What an honor this will be... and we hope any and all can make it to the Museum for a visit!

Farewell my friend...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:58:00 +0000

America lost another Pearl Harbor Survivor and true hero of World War II this past week.

James (Jim) C. Bounds... a.k.a. "Outta Bounds" passed away in San Diego on Friday, 10 September, 2010.

See San Diego Union Tribune obituary... http://obituaries.signonsandiego.com/obituaries/signonsandiego/obituary.aspx?n=james-creston-bounds&pid=145243033

From the very first time I met Jim in the year 2000, I witnessed him treat each and everyone he met as a close friend. Jim, with his renowned sense of humor, always left that new friend with a smile on his or her face.

Considered "the last man off the USS Oklahoma"... Jim was always willing to recount the horrific events of 7 December, 1941, and how he nearly became one of the nearly 430 men lost on that date of infamy.

We all will miss you Jim... and we all thank you for the wonderful example of "being an American" for all of us to follow.

Recent Media Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:58:00 +0000

It's actually a great honor when various media outlets not only do a story on the Pearl Harbor Tribute Harley, but get the story right and show enthusiasm for the project

A few recent news articles...

San Diego Union Tribune's SignOnSanDiego...
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/23/a-rolling-memorial/

Related SignOnSanDiego video clip...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/video/?bcpid=33836215001&bclid=16685637001&bctid=219687469001

San Diego Channel 10 News article...
http://www.10news.com/news/24382820/detail.html
(see video clip link beneath photograph of John Finn)

Las Vegas Review Journal's "The View"...
http://www.viewnews.com/2010/VIEW-May-25-Tue-2010/Summerlin/35984422.html

Honored beyond Honors...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:53:00 +0000

On 3 June, 2010, a beautiful memorial service was provided for John W. Finn, Lt. USN (Ret) and the first Medal of Honor Recipient of World War II, located in El Cajon, CA.

Many local San Diego Chapter Pearl Harbor Survivors were in attendance. Chapter President and Survivor of the USS West Virginia, Stu Hedley ensures John’s flag is perfect.

An honor bestowed upon me this past week still has me in disbelief. I was asked to ride the Remember Pearl Harbor Tribute Motorcycle in front of the coach carrying John W. Finn to his final resting place 45 miles east of San Diego... escorted by more than 50 Patriot Guard Riders.

Heading east on Interstate 8 with a mile of vehicles behind...

And “Full” Military Honors meant Sailors and Marines as far as the eye could see

BM3 Darren Booth carried out his duties this day in the finest traditions of the United States Navy.

Thank you once again John, for thoughts and memories that will last a life time... and as you wrote in my briefing book, I will indeed "make this book happen!"

Passing of a Hero!!!

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:50:00 +0000

Rest In Peace John W. Finn!!!

A wonderful video by Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#37388239

Our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of John W. Finn.

Rest In Peace my friend

Great Press Coverage...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:27:00 +0000

We wish to give a special "THANK YOU" to Jan Hogan of the Las Vegas / Summerlin View newspaper for her wonderful article in the May 25th edition of the View about the Pearls of Honor projects....

http://www.viewnews.com/2010/VIEW-May-25-Tue-2010/Summerlin/35984422.html

Pearl Harbor survivor John Finn, 100, signs Dana Harbaugh?s custom Pearl Harbor motorcycle in 2009. His likeness and Congressional Medal of Honor are engraved on the motorcycle?s gas tank. On Dec. 7, 1941, Finn kept gunning at the Japanese Zeros even though he took 20 hits from flying shrapnel during the attack. "He?s a rock star in the veterans? world," Harbaugh said.

Original Article

There were 2,403 deaths as the result of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Dana Harbaugh is out to see that their sacrifice, and the valor of those who survived, is never forgotten.

He has taken on the task of writing a coffee table book, setting up the website www.pearlsofhonor.com and using his love of motorcycles to outfit one in a Pearl Harbor theme and display it at events.

"It's become, like, my life," he said. "I have a duty to uphold this oath."

Harbaugh's affinity for remembering the tragic event stems from serving nearly seven years in the Navy as an air crewman. His service included Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

The oath he's sworn to uphold was made in 2000. That's when Harbaugh was teaching computer classes to older veterans in Southern California. The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association met in the same building. He approached them, got hooked and eventually was made an honorary member. As such, he took an oath to follow its motto: Remember Pearl Harbor and keep America alert.

Harbaugh, 48, who lives just north of Summerlin, took his themed motorcycle to Mountain View Lutheran School, 9550 W. Charleston Blvd., twice and spoke with students. The decorated bike "was like a magnet," he said. A teacher later told him that all the children had gone on the Internet to learn more about Pearl Harbor.

He also has been interviewed on radio, spoken before the American Legion Post 149, ridden the bike in parades and made appearances with it at special events.

Ed Hall, 86, was a truck driver for the Army Air Corps at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. He said Harbaugh's devotion to honoring that tragedy would result in more people understanding its significance.

"It's not really taught in school, not enough," he said. "Many people don't even know where Pearl Harbor is or even what it is."

Harbaugh used his skills as a longtime photographer to take an estimated 30,000 pictures of the survivors at various events over the years. They, too, are part of his mission.

"Everyone would ask me for copies, and they all wanted different shots, so I figured I'd put them (the photos) in a book," he said.

That book is titled "Pearls of Honor: Their Duty to Remember." He plans to self-publish it and has had a sample printed. But he said its content still needs work and has no set completion date.

In 2008, he bought a new Harley-Davidson Cross Bones motorcycle and began having it engraved with depictions from that fateful day: a quote from Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto on awakening a sleeping giant; depictions of the vessels that were torpedoed and bombed; and the number of soldiers who died in the attack. The USS Arizona also is on it, seen in three stages -- as it looked at sea, how it looked after being torpedoed and the monument at Pearl Harbor. In all, 1,177 men died on that ship.

Sandy Steiner of Chrome Fusion and his son, Jason Steiner, did the hand engraving. Dwight Purcell of Purcellz Customz did the paint work. Shirley Zanelli of BadAss Seats did the leather work.

Sandy Steiner said the depictions took "a million and a half hours" to complete. He is an Army veteran, and while most of the shop's jobs are intricate, "this was the most engraving we've ever done on a motorcycle."

The bike was finished in 2009. It's been named Metal of Honor.
Pearl Harbor survivor John Finn is 100. His likeness is engraved on the gas tank, as is his Congressional Medal of Honor. He signed the gas tank next to his image.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Finn kept gunning at the Japanese Zeros even though he took 20 hits from flying shrapnel during the attack.
"He's a rock star in the veterans' world," Harbaugh said.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, he'll have Metal of Honor at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, he plans to attend Pearl Harbor Survivor Association events in California and Nevada.

Contact Summerlin and Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.

Teaching Virtues Early...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:08:00 +0000

(Photo: Ed Hall, President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors, takes great care in helping these young Americans who volunteered to march in a recent Veterans Day Parade with the Pearl Harbor Survivors... teaching the young the virtues of Service, Patriotism and Loyalty comes naturally to all the Survivors)

We have decided to post a letter recently received from a 10th grade student from Brenham High School in Brenham, Texas addressed to the President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors... along with the response from the President.

Honor, Respect, Kindness, Thankfulness, Service... such virtues among many others are indeed still being taught to our youth in segments of the country.

First Letter:

Student Amie Meaux
Brenham High School
525 A. H. Ehrig Dr.
Brenham, TX 77833

March 22, 2010

Edward Hall
Las Vegas, NV 89131

Dear Mr. Hall

My name is Amie Meaux. I am a 10th grade student at Brenham H.S. in Brenham, Texas. On February 18th of this year, Mr. Larry Cappetto came and talked to our school about the “Lest they be forgotten” program.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for your service to our country. It is because of your bravery during World War II that I am allowed many great opportunities.

Thank you very much for your service ot the United States. It is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Amie Meaux

Reply Letter from Silver State Chapter 2 President Edward E. Hall

Dear Amie Meaux,

What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! Thank for writing me. It delights me to know you have taken an interest in what took place at Pearl Harbor.

Our country is worth fighting for. America is the best there is. We must defend it to keep it free.

I will share your letter with the other members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors. It will delight them all.

It’s so nice to know you realize and appreciate (as I’m sure many others do.) the lives that were lost to make sure we all remain free and able to take advantage of our opportunities. Make good use of all that is offered to you and never forget the brave men that keep our country free. I would be happy to answer any of your questions and hear from you again. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Edward E. Hall
President of the Pearl Harbor Survivors

P.S. Remember Pearl Harbor and Keep America Alert!

Virtual Virtues

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:33:00 +0000

(click to enlarge photo)

After more than ten years of interacting with the Survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, one thing continues to keep pushing me forward with this project… the quite-real and recurring sense that the Good Lord above has placed this calling in my path.

Otherwise seemingly mundane photographs, stories and anecdotes witnessed, upon further reflection, hold in them strange ironies and historical coincidences that invariably leave me with a sense of awe and wonderment if indeed it truly was I who pushed the button on the camera or God Himself.

Similar to the words within the title of this book, Pearls of Honor: Their Duty to Remember, from its inception, I have hoped to show with great clarity and example how the Survivors carry with them what most Americans believe are those long lost virtues such as Honor, Duty, Fidelity, Truth, Loyalty, Honesty, Courage, Heroism, Devotion, Humility, Integrity, Knowledge, Love, Perseverance, Piety, Selflessness, Thankfulness, Trust, Wisdom.

Most Americans know how, most-profoundly in the 1960’s, a large portion of the population began to publicly berate, besmirch, belittle, demean, ridicule and or otherwise show great contempt for anything in popular culture that even remotely touched upon or aspired to, classical virtues.

Anyone suggesting that such virtues should be held out as goals for not only our young, but for all citizens was, and in many arenas still is, held out for public derision.

The Pearl Harbor Survivors are one of the few last remaining public examples for our young people to look up to and actually see such virtue not only in words, but in action.

Likewise, it seems as though God once again over the last few months, wished to ensure that I had a constant reminder of the antithesis of such virtues. He wanted me to have, and has given me, a daily reminder of the pain and anguish that such callous and arrogant disregard for such virtues can bring to a society… so that hopefully, my words in this upcoming book can tell future generations how truly honorable these “Pearls of Honor” have been… and how they, with great fidelity and loyalty carried out “Their Duty to Remember.”

Hopefully, the stories and images of these true American heroes will provide at least one small example of what virtues are and the corresponding dignity that comes to those who aspire to them.

Pearl Harbor Day - December 7th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Image from US Navy archives

Monday is the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Interview with Survivor Louis Wolff off the USS Maryland

Here in Las Vegas, our small Survivor community is being hosted at the Nellis Airforce Base Officers Club for a luncheon. We are also taking Metal of Honor out to Mountain View Lutheran School to visit the 5th grade class. Then on Tuesday, we'll be at R.O. Gibson Middle School to visit the 6th grade Magnet morning reading classes.

Around the country, there are a number of events marking the day. Here are just a few:
Everett, Washington
Honolulu, Hawaii
Arkansas
Montgomery, Albama
Moline, IL
Contra Costa County, CA
Alameda, CA
Boston, Mass.
Washington, D.C.
Alaska
Cranford, NJ
Georgia
Fredericksburg, TX

PHSA list of upcoming events

Survivor and Eyewitness Stories
Louis Wolff, USS Maryland
LTJG Joe Tezanos
William F. "Bill" Bryant
VFW Talk Radio interviews William Muehleib
Carl E. Clark
Harold Tussey
Harold Shore
Joseph Steffan
Joseph McDonald
Paul Landgraf

Ships and Stations involved in the attack
USS Arizona

Summaries of the attack
A summary of the attack and the events leading up to it
Wikipedia on the attack
Contra Costa Demonstrator
National Geographic
Taipei Times

Images of the attack from the Navy

Public reaction to the attack from the Library of Congress

Japanese Subs found by National Geographic

Socking it to the troops with the Blue Star Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Our friend Cheré called last week and asked us to come over to photograph the Blue Star Mothers of NV (Henderson & Boulder City chapter) while they packed up holiday care packages and Christmas stockings for NV servicemen and women. With the help of many businesses who donated items, lots of ladies who sewed up the stockings and an army of determined volunteers, the Moms sent over 1,000 stockings out, just in time to brighten up the holidays.

It was quite an operation with assembly line stuffing and boxing.

The gentlemen in the suit is the Mayor of Henderson, who came out despite an injured hand, to show his support. Of course, the news crew came too...

Volunteers swarm over the pile of stuffed stockings to get them boxed for shipping.

These two gents took a well deserved break after helping to reduce the mammoth pile of stockings to boxed and sealed packages.

We could have just taken pictures, but that's not what we do ... so here's Krystal sealing and taping boxes for the overseas flight.

The moms ran low on socks and a few other supplies. We got the operation back on track with a trip to Costco. You should have seen all the strange looks we got with two cases of socks on the cart. That's 296 pairs of warm feet right there with 1,000 clean pairs of hands, 24 hot meals, 12 packs of beef jerky, lots of candy and many cans of fruit.

There's no doubt that Cheré knows where her son is. As you gather with your friends and family this season, take a few minutes to send good thoughts to our troops for a safe return home.

More pictures

Toys for Tots Charity Golf Tournament at Nellis AFB

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Last week, we attended the annual Toys for Tots Charity Golf Classic at Nellis Air Force Base. As it was the weekend before Aviation Nation, we were treated to quite the airshow. Some of our pics are below.

B-25 Mitchells used to great effect by flyers off the USS Hornet in the Doolittle Raid to bomb Tokyo, Japan and 4 other cities 4 months after the Pearl Harbor attack.

During the practice flying for the Aviation Nation Air Show at Nellis Airforce Base we got buzzed by history. Wish we could have gotten a closer in shot, but it's not wasy to catch planes flying over 200 mph!

From top left, an F-4 Phantom which flew during Vietnam, a P-38 Lightning from World War II which was fast enough to outrun the German Messerschmitts, an F-86 Sabre from the Korean War which fought Russian-made MIGs, and an A-10 Warthog which is flying right now over Afghanistan and Iraq.

A C-17 Globemaster III (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-17_Globemaster_III) shows off her surprising agility over the golf course at Nellis Air Force Base during the Toys for Tots Golf Tournament.

Perfect blue sky shot of two Navy planes with a little Photoshop

Story in The Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Metal of Honor and the work I do with the Las Vegas Pearl Harbor Survivors will be in the December issue of The Answer. We met the editor Toni Terrell while having lunch with the Survivors just before Veteran's Day. She was intrigued by seeing us with this group, as we are obviously not Survivors ourselves. After explaining our drive to help the Survivors' legacy live on, she decided to do a story on our work.

The passing of a hero...

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

My memories of Colonel Lewis L. Millett

Col. Lewis Millett, Who Led 'Bayonet Hill' Charge, Dies at 88

Daring soldier was awarded Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor (and just about every other award the US military can bestow upon a person) are what caught my attention when I first met Colonel Millett. Being military myself, I know more than most what it takes to earn even one of these honors and this guy could have filled a safe-deposit box with his ribbons and medals!

How could one man earn so many medals? How much effort, toil, blood and sacrifice has this man given for this nation? How many wars was he in? How many battles was he in? My God, do they make men any tougher than this one?

Later, I learned that he fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In the middle of 1941 (before Pearl Harbor), Millett actually deserted from the US Army to join the Canadian Army in order to be able to actively fight the rise of fascism and the Nazis. He was upset that FDR had pledged to keep America out of the war. He was court-martialed for desertion, but when his paperwork finally caught up with him after he'd fought his way across Italy, he was charged only a $52 dollar fine and promoted due to his uncommon acts of bravery. His life story reads like an action movie script writer's dream and his conviction in defense of the ideals of American freedom was unshakable. This man was the real life incarnation of that imaginary war hero I saw on TV and looked up to as a kid. I count myself lucky to have known him, in even the small way that our paths crossed.

Over the course of 10 years photographing the Pearl Harbor Survivors at various events in the San Diego area, every so often I would see Colonel Millett in attendance. Many events that Survivor and Medal of Honor Recipient John Finn attended would also bring out other Medal of Honors. Happy occasions such as John Finn's 95th birthday in 2004 were my favorites. In this photo, the Colonel's daughter Elizabeth helps him get his jacket straightened as he enters the party.

Here he is shown laughing with several other Medal of Honors during the party.

From left: Col. Millett, John W. Finn, One of John's friends from Kanehoe.
Back Row: Jay Vargas and John J. McGinty III

But of course, there are the many solemn memorials for the "Greatest Generation" as they leave us with memories and a duty to try to fill their shoes. Here, Colonel Millett was arriving aboard the USS Ronald W. Reagan (CVN-76) for the memorial services of a fellow Medal of Honor Recipient Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale.

Colonel Millett with Medal of Honor Recipients John Finn (seated) Walter D. Ehlers and John J. McGinty III. (right to left)

Just meeting this hero so many times left me wanting to chat with him whenever possible. Although he was seemingly a man of few words, his presence was to me, and to all who met him, larger than life.

Farewell, Lewis. May you be watched over in your rest and dream the dreams of true heroes.

Pearl Harbor Survivors on KNPR State of Nevada

noreply@blogger.com (PearlsofHonor) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Pearl Harbor Survivors Ed Hall and Clif Dohrmann (with his wife Ginnie) enjoyed their appearance on KNPR's award-winning local affairs program State of Nevada. The conversation ranged over a number of topics, from the importance of Remerbering Pearl Harbor and World War II to my upcoming book about the Survivors to our opinions as veterans on Post Tramautic Stress Disorder and the VA's treatment of veterans from all wars. The episode was broadcast on 11-11-2009 in honor of Veteran's Day. You can listen online here.