Attack on Paerl Harbor 7 Cecember 1941
 

Hi guys

I wonder if those more knowledgeable than I, and more helpful than some, are able to provide any details of the L4A Piper Cubs of the Honolulu Flying Club that inadvertently became involved in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?

I have been given to understand that eight yellow-painted civil Cubs were airborne at the time of the attack, that seven were fired upon (including one flown by Cornelia Fort, who had a student named Sumala with her), and that three were shot down. I understand that two of these fell into the sea and the occupants were killed; persumably the other fell on land (fate of crew unknown to me). Who were these civilian pilots and students? What were the registration numbers of the aircraft? Did any Japanese pilots claim such yellow-painted aircraft amongst their victories? I have been advised that some of this information may be contained in a book entitled 'Attack on Pearl Harbor' by Stan Cohen. I don't have this in my collection and details of such losses are not mentioned in the Pacific Air Forces Office of History publication '7 December 1941: The Air Force Story' (a copy of which I do have), nor in any other book that I have seen on Pearl Harbor. Help!

Thanks in advance
Brian

Re: Attack on Paerl Harbor 7 Cecember 1941
 

You should check with David Aiken. He occasionally posts over on WIX. Pretty much the Pearl Harbor expert.

Ryan

Re: Attack on Paerl Harbor 7 Cecember 1941
 

The two Pipers lost over the water were infact being flown by military personnel:

http://www.pearlharborsurvivorsonlin...20Hutchens.htm

Quote:

Three soldiers from F battery*, Henry C. Blackwell Cpl., Clyde C. Brown Cpl. and Warren Rasmussen Sgt. were flying civilian aircraft December 7th. The two Piper Cub airplanes by incoming Jap planes, about 250 of them. All three in the two planes were killed. These three soldiers from the 251st were probably the first United States casualties of World War II.

*F Battery 251 Coast Artillery (AA) (first casualties of the day - in a rented Piper Cub joyriding over the Ocean)

http://www.pearlharbor.org/history/c...iper&details=1

Re: Attack on Paerl Harbor 7 Cecember 1941
 

This list is interesting as it includes some friendly fire incidents - I don't know if you have these already Brian:

http://www.nps.gov/archive/usar/phcas.html

Re: Attack on Paerl Harbor 7 Cecember 1941
 

Brian,

Perhaps you're interested in this story as well: http://www.airspacemag.com/history-o...tml?c=y&page=2

It involves Aeronca N33768 of Gambo Flying Service that was also attacked on 7 Dec 1941...

Regards,

Leendert