The attack was on radar and mistaken as B-17's headed to Pearl 75 years ago, my uncle was there

[Omaha Steve]

Last edited Wed Dec 7, 2016, 11:20 PM - Edit history (1)

I posted this in a reply in another OP: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028340144

I got several emails and decided post post it as an OP on it's own.

My Great Uncle Leo was on one of the B-17's that came under enemy AND friendly fire. Guns were not installed yet. They were defenseless.

OS



Navigator 1st Lt. Leo M. Eminger

"Leo Eminger was part of the 38th Recon Sq. from Albuquerque, NM. Eminger was awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart. Eminger were both with the 88th Recon Squadron from Albuquerque Army Air Field. Eminger was with Crew No. 4 aboard B-17C 40-2063 one of the the B-17 flying from Hamilton Field bound for Hickam Field and arrived during the attack on December 7, 1941. Charles Norton was with Crew No. 6 which had to return to Hamilton Army Air Field due to engine trouble. I have also discovered, through many publications and personal contacts with crew families, photos of the pilot (Charles E. Norton), the co-pilot (Bruce B. S. Barker), and the bottom turret gunner (Fred S. Croyle). I am working on a photo of Bruce W. Osborne who is the only crew member listed as KIA because they found his bones."


The story of his mission and death on the plane: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-2420.html


My dad was a PFC in the 25th Div 35th Infantry Regiment anti tank company. In action on Guadalcanal, Luzon, and Northern Solomons. Dad had the Combat Infantryman Badge and several ribbons. We found out in 2000 he was screwed out of a ribbon his unit got after he went home on points. Honorable discharge Aug 7, 1945.

I know Step Uncle Bobby was in the Pacific not far from my dad. Dementia has stolen all his memories.

I know an uncle was KIA in the Battle of the Bulge.

Uncle Eddie (mom's brother) was Navy in the Pacific. Gunners mate. His best friend right next to him was killed when a Kamikaze struck their pom pom turret.

Mom worked on the Enola Gay at the Martin Bomber right down the street from here. We saw President Clinton's ONLY trip to Nebraska in freezing weather Dec 2000 in front of that building at the Offutt air base. I toured the building recently: http://www.democraticunderground.com/11796440

In Oct. 2000 I met A.D. Flowers. He won the Oscar for Best Effects, Special Visual Effects Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
At that time I didn't know my great uncle Leo was involved in the attack.

OS

[atreides1]

1. My mom was 3

And she lived about two miles from Pearl Harbor.

Her uncle, Gilbert 'Sonny' Furtado enlisted in the US Army and fought in the PTO, he was with the 1st Cavalry Division when it invaded the Philippines, he later served with the occupation forces in Japan!