Author Topic: A moment of silence (Read 290 times)

StarOfAfrica2 · « **on:** January 26, 2007, 11:03:36 AM »

Hawaii's last Arizona survivor, John Earle, passed away this week. He was in charge of the Arizona's Marine detatchment in December 1941, and gathered those who survived to help organize defense in his area after the Arizona was destroyed. In 1942 he fulfilled his dream and passed Marine flight school, commanding a dive bomber group in the Philippines. He flew SBDs and Corsairs, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal before retiring in 1961 to join his family here in Hawaii. Mr. Earle taught History at the University of Hawaii. He will be buried at the National Cemetery of the Pacific.

I met Mr. Earle at the Arizona memorial a few years ago, he was talking to people about the Arizona. Someone had asked him how he survived the attack and he laughed and said he survived because he was at home with his wife. I met him a few times after that, he always had a smile and a story (about someone else). According to him he never did anything important. I'm sure his family would disagree.

RIP sir.

DiabloTX · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2007, 01:50:19 PM »

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2007, 02:06:31 PM »

Im surprised he's not being buried in the Arizona.
Its my understanding that the surviving crew have/had the option of being buried along with their former shipmates within the ship

Bodhi · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2007, 02:52:23 PM »

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2007, 06:59:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Im surprised he's not being buried in the Arizona.
Its my understanding that the surviving crew have/had the option of being buried along with their former shipmates within the ship

From what I've read in his account of events, he was not on the Arizona when she was destroyed, and had only recently transferred there from the Tennessee days before the attack. I'm guessing here but maybe he didnt feel he belonged with the others. He certainly had the right to be buried there if he wanted. The family isnt giving out reasons though, so I guess they will remain private.

Sketch · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:08:20 PM »

I have a great-grandfather that died on the Arizona and rest there still. When my father was stationed in Hawaii during the 50 year aniversary he laid a flower reath since he was the highest ranking enlisted Navy personal on station... One of the only times I have seen my father shed a tear.
~~to John Earle.~~

Maverick · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2007, 08:38:11 PM »

~~and RIP Sir. Fair skies and calm seas.~~