PACAF Headquarters on 7 December 1941

On December 7, 1941, 51 airplanes were on the ground at Hickam Field, the headquarters of the Hawaii Air Force, and a flight of 12 B-17s was expected to arrive that morning. The first wave of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was primarily targeting battleships and carriers, but the airfields were also to be hit to prevent a counterattack .At Hickam Field, Japanese Zero fighters and Val dive-bombers strafed and bombed the fight line and hangars, concentrating on the B-17 bombers. The second wave of the Japanese attack struck Hickam at 8:40am and by 9:45 the attack was over. Nearly half of the airplanes at Hickam Field had been destroyed or severely damaged. The hangars, the Hawaiian Air Depot, several base facilities -- the barracks, the fire station, the chapel and the guardhouse -- had been hit. Hickam's casualties totaled 121 men killed, 274 wounded and 37 missing. Despite the damage inflicted by the Japanese, they had ignored the vital repair facilities and gasoline storage tanks at Hickam, Pearl Harbor and elsewhere on Oahu. Hickam Field emerged from the attack stronger than before and played an important role in World War II and since. (Based on information from the National Park Service; http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/aviation/hic.htm)

The Eternal Flame

The Courtyard of Heroes Memorial: Three times this century, Air Force men and women have responded to the call to arms in the Pacific. In World War II, Korea, and Southeast Asia, they have borne the struggle to advance the cause of freedom and defend their nation. This memorial is a tribute to their service and their sacrifice. The eternal flame of freedom is a constant reminder of the spirit of partiotism in which thousands of Pacific Air Forces men and women have served with honor and dedication. The flame also symbolizes the vigilence of those who have served, are serving, and will serve in defense of the nation on its Pacific Frontier. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Gustavo Gonzalez)

Col. Robin Olds

Col. Robin Olds was the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing commander who led his Airmen during Operation Bolo Jan. 2, 1967. During Operation Bolo, Colonel Olds dubbed the wing the Wolf Pack because of its aggressive tactics and high degree of teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Col. Robin Olds

Col. Robin Olds, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing commander, is carried off the airfield after successfully completing Operation Bolo Airmen Jan. 2, 1967. During Operation Bolo, Colonel Olds dubbed the wing the Wolf Pack because of its aggressive tactics and high degree of teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo)

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR COMMEMORATION

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Col. John Dolan, 8th Fighter Wing commander, greets Sang Don Sin, Korean War Veterans Association Gunsan Chapter Vice Chairman, during the 60th anniversary of the Korean War commemoration ceremony held at the base flag pole. Fifty-one Korean War veterans including Vice Chairman Sin attended the ceremony, as well as Col. Jae Hun Choi, 38th Fighter Group commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pomeroy)

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR COMMEMORATION

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Col. John Dolan, 8th Fighter Wing commander, and Col. Jae Hun Choi, 38th Fighter Group commander, render a salute after laying a wreath in honor of the Korean War during the 60th anniversary of the Korean War commemoration ceremony held at the base flag pole. In total, 51 Korean War veterans attended the ceremony which also included a three volley salute by seven 8th Security Forces Squadron members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pomeroy)