Pearl Harbor as you know, wasn't the only place attacked on December 7th. The nearby Ford Island, was bombed to oblivion because of the fighters on the ground that could have greatly reduced the casualties had they gotten into the air. Hickam AFB, then known as Hickam Field, also suffered a great number of casualties. The barracks were probably the worst hit. The battle damage can still be seen today through out various parts of the base.
The airmen, inside the barracks were trapped while bullets were literally going through the walls. those lucky enough to survive grabbed guns and ammo and fought literally in their undergarments. Those wounded were transported to the hospital, which is still in use today. There is a plaque in front of the entrance telling of the horrors that awaited them on the steps of the hospital as hundreds poured in from Hickam Field and the battleships.
Right across from the hospital is a static display of an RB-26 Invader and a memorial dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Pearl Harbor and members of the 11th Bombardment Group who lost their lives in the Pacific Theater.
Also on the base is what is called the Freedom Tower. It is basically a water tower that was built before WWII but has since been dedicated to those who serve in both past, present, and future.
The last place I visited was at the Officers club. There is a memorial there depicting four F-22s in a missing man formation. For those who don't know, The Missing Man Formation is a flying formation in honor of those who were lost. It is a four ship formation, and the middle plane takes to the skies, symbolizing the heaven bound journey the fallen make.
There are other locations which I was not able to see. But if you wish to see if there is a tour available for certain hotspots at Hickam, check out ITT to see if they have any.
The airmen, inside the barracks were trapped while bullets were literally going through the walls. those lucky enough to survive grabbed guns and ammo and fought literally in their undergarments. Those wounded were transported to the hospital, which is still in use today. There is a plaque in front of the entrance telling of the horrors that awaited them on the steps of the hospital as hundreds poured in from Hickam Field and the battleships.
Right across from the hospital is a static display of an RB-26 Invader and a memorial dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Pearl Harbor and members of the 11th Bombardment Group who lost their lives in the Pacific Theater.
Also on the base is what is called the Freedom Tower. It is basically a water tower that was built before WWII but has since been dedicated to those who serve in both past, present, and future.
The last place I visited was at the Officers club. There is a memorial there depicting four F-22s in a missing man formation. For those who don't know, The Missing Man Formation is a flying formation in honor of those who were lost. It is a four ship formation, and the middle plane takes to the skies, symbolizing the heaven bound journey the fallen make.
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