Pau Hana Koa - The Warriors’ Newsletter - State Chapter Military Officers Association of America Vol. 25 No. 8 WEBSITE http://www.moaa-hawaii.org August 2010

ANNUAL PICNIC AT BELLOWS SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 !!

U.S.S. Barb: The Sub That Sank A Train Eight sailors conducted the ONLY GROUND COMBAT OPERATION on the Japanese "homeland" of World War II.

In 1973 an Italian named Enri- Nimitz replied. "You surely pulled him enemy ships. In only 5 fathoms (30 feet) que Tazzoli was sold for a paltry from command after he received it?" of water his crew had unleashed the sub's $100,000 as scrap metal. The submarine, July 18, 1945 (Patience Bay, Off the forward torpedoes, then turned and fired given to the in 1953 was coast of Karafuto, Japan) four from the stern. As he pushed the actually an incredible veteran of World It was after 4 A.M. and Commander Barb to the full limit of its speed through War II service with a heritage that never Fluckey rubbed his eyes as he the dangerous waters in a daring with- should have passed so unnoticed into the peered over the map spread before him. drawal to the open sea, he recorded eight graveyards of the metal recyclers. The It was the twelfth war patrol of the Barb, direct hits on six enemy ships. Then, on U.S.S. Barb was a pioneer, paving the the fifth under Commander Fluckey. He the return home he added yet another way for the first submarine launched mis- should have turned command over to an- Japanese freighter to the tally for the siles and flying a battle flag unlike that of other skipper after four patrols, but had Barb's eleventh patrol, a score that ex- any other ship. In addition to the Medal managed to strike a deal with Admiral ceeded even the number of that patrol. of Honor ribbon at the top of the flag Lockwood to make one more trip with the What could possibly be left for the Com- identifying the heroism of its captain, men he cared for like a father, should his mander to accomplish who, just three Commander Eugene "Lucky" Fluckey, the bottom border of the flag bore the fourth patrol be successful. Of course, months earlier had been in Washing- image of a Japanese locomotive. The no one suspected when he had struck that ton, DC to receive the Medal of Honor? U.S.S. Barb was indeed, the submarine deal prior to his fourth and what should He smiled to himself as he looked again that "SANK A TRAIN". have been his final war patrol on the at the map showing the rail line that ran July, 1945 () Barb, that Commander Fluckey would be along the enemy coastline. This final pa- Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz looked so great he would be awarded the Medal trol had been promised as the Barb's across the desk at Admiral Lockwood as of Honor. "graduation patrol" and he and his crew he finished the personal briefing Commander Fluckey smiled as he re- had cooked up an unusual finale. Since on U.S. war ships in the vicinity of the membered that patrol. "Lucky" the 8th of June they had harassed northern coastal areas of Hokkaido, Ja- Fluckey they called him. On January 8th the enemy, destroying the enemy supplies pan. "Well, Chester, there's only the Barb the Barb had emerged victorious from and coastal fortifications with the first there, and probably no word until the pa- a running two-hour night battle after sink- submarine launched rocket attacks. Now trol is finished. You remember Gene ing a large enemy ammunition ship. Two his crew was buzzing excitedly about Fluckey?" "Of course. I recommended weeks later in Mamkwan Harbor he bagging a train. him for the Medal of Honor," Admiral found the "mother-lode"...more than 30 (continued on page 5)

Coming Events August Coming Events September

2 Sep (Thu) 65th Anniversary - The End of 7 Aug (Sat) The Users Group (TUG) 1000 OVC World War II 0800 USS Missouri

4 Sep (Sat) The Users Group (TUG) 1000 OVC 8 Aug (Sun) Annual Picnic 1200 Bellows AFS Pavilion 5A 13 Sep (tentative) Pac Meeting 1100 Sam Snead’s

PAC Meeting at Picnic 16 Sep (Thu) Luncheon 1130 Maple Garden Rest.

Speaker: Vice Admiral Robert K. U. Kihune (Ret) 20 Aug (Fri) EXCOM Meeting 1115 MCBH O’Club 17 Sep (Fri) EXCOM Meeting 1115 MCBH O’Club Page 2 August 2010 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA

President’s Perspective by LtCol Tom Smyth USMC (Ret) Aloha! As you may have read in the July 15th Star Advertiser, lawyers and fund raising compa- nies working for the Veterans Association have walked away, so it should no longer be trying to raise money on the backs of veterans. We have followed this story be- cause it does put all military and veteran organizations under a cloud when one of them operates illegally.

I hope you have taken the opportunity to see the Lost Heroes Art Quilt on display in the Hale Koa lobby from 22 -28 July. It is truly a remarkable work of art that shows 82 fallen military men and women killed in Iraq and Af- ghanistan. A local soldier, Cpl. Kyle Fernandez, represents our state. To me the notion of using a childhood photo of each warrior gives a very different perspective to the usual way we honor fallen heroes. This is how they looked to their parents, siblings and friends before they joined the military and how many are remembered even now. Thanks to the Hawaii National Guard for coordinating the quilt’s showing here and a special Mahalo to Ha- waiian Airlines for transporting the quilt to and from Hawaii.

On an administrative note: we hope to put your Executive Committee agenda and approved minutes, with finan- cial and other information, on the chapter website in the near future. This will allow us all to see just how we are doing and what issues we are discussing.

Finally, please continue to send those cards, letters and emails to our congressional delegates as they ponder a wide variety of issues of interest to all MOAA members and friends. Will the DOD budget be approved before the current money runs out? Will there be a pay raise for our active duty colleagues? Will the inappropriate off sets against retired pay be finally resolved? What will happen to TRICARE rates? All these and more are still on the table. MOAA has been very effective in supporting or opposing bills that we care about, and your input certainly weighs in as the national staff goes to the Hill.

See you all at Bellows on 8 August. Be sure to send in your chit, the price is right! HAWAII STATE CHAPTER of the MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA New Membership Application and/or Current Member Dues Payment Name: ______Male □ Female □ Last First MI New Member Application □ Currently a Regular Member □ Currently an Auxiliary Member □ New members: Complete next items and Regular or Auxiliary Member section. Enter remittance at bottom. Current members: Complete any items that have changed and enter your remittance amount at bottom of form. Address:______Email:______Date of birth:______National MOAA membership No. ______Home Phone:______Office Phone: ______Fax ______Regular Members: Active duty, retired, or former military officers are eligible for regular membership. Regular Members: Active duty, retired, or former military officers are eligible for regular membership. Service ______Rank ______Active Duty Retired Reserve National Guard Former Officer Service ______Rank ______Active Duty□□ Retired□□ Reserve□□ National Guard□□ Former Officer□□ Dues: $18 per year; 5 years for $72. Life membership: Age 50 and under, $360; 51-60 $300; 61-70 $270; Dues: $18 per year; 5 years for $72. Life membership: Age 50 and under, $360; 51-60 $300; 61-70 $270; 71Auxiliary-89 $120; Members: 90 and older Widows is free. or widowers are eligible for membership whose spouses were regular mem- bers or were eligible for regular membership. Rank of spouse: ______Service of spouse: ______Dues: $12 per year; 5 years for $48; Life membership: Age 50 and under, $180; 51-60 $150; 61-70 $120; 71-89 $60; 90 and older is free.

If married, spouse’s first name:______Last name, if different than yours:______Indicate interest in any of the following Chapter activities or Committees: Personal Affairs  LAVA  Public Affairs  Program/Social  Newsletter  Membership  Finance  Fund Raising  J/ROTC Scholarships and Awards  Community Service  TUG(Computers)  Party Bridge  Golf  Tennis  Dues Enclosed $ ______Optional Donation: Scholarships $ ______Community Services $______Total Remittance: $______Check to Hawaii State Chapter MOAA, PO Box 1185, Kailua HI 96734-1185 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA August 2010 Page 3 - - CHAPTER SOCIAL EVENTS - - Executive Committee - -THIS MONTH - - Elected Officers AUGUST 8 @1200 ANNUAL MOAA PICNIC - BELLOWS BEACH President Chair Personal Affairs LtCol Tom Smyth USMC CDR Bill Moore USN SEPTEMBER 16 at 1130 MAPLE GARDEN REST. 531-2829 261-4071 Former Trustee Kamehameha Schools [email protected] [email protected]

VADM Robert K. U. Kihune USN (Ret.) 1st Vice President Chaplain Capt Glen Van Ingen USAF CH(COL) Ron Bezanson USA October 292-6844 292-6095 TBD [email protected] [email protected]

NOVEMBER 13 @1030 2d Vice President Chair Public Affairs CDR Bill Moore USN VACANT Annual Meeting at Oahu Veterans Center 261-4071 Official Photographer [email protected] DECEMBER 9 @1800 VACANT

Annual Christmas Dinner - Hale Koa 3d Vice President Chair ROTC Scholarships LCDR Phillip Rother USN COL Ralph JWK Hiatt USA Welcome Aboard 471-0091, ext 204 261-3301

[email protected] [email protected] No new members in July!! Appointed Officers Chair Community Affairs Kathy Delong Thinning of the Ranks Secretary - Helen Baker 486-0439 Captain Emery Grant Story USN (Ret) died 753-7793 [email protected] 2 July. Survived by wife, CDR Allyn Thompson, USN [email protected] Co-Editors PHK (Ret), a Chapter member. Donations may be sent to the Treasurer CH(COL) Ron Bezanson USA Pacific Aviation Museum. LtCol Geoff Bangs USMC 955-4838

261-1455 [email protected] Captain Richard D. Eber CEC USN (Ret) died on 20 July. [email protected] CAPT George Sullivan USN Survived by his wife, Laudra. Donations may be sent to Michael J. Fox Foundation or Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Accountant 623-2243 [email protected] Binnacle List LTC Richard DeLong, USA 486-0439 LTC Joseph (JAY) Blanchard, Jr. USA (Ret) Webmaster [email protected] Mrs. Klara Cook Bob Ranaldo Rear Admiral Ralph Cook USN (Ret) (Hospice) Auxiliary - Anna Blackwell 941-0602 Mrs. Phyllis J. Williams 739-9164 [email protected] [email protected] Database Mgt Editor’s Notes Legal Maj George Montague USAF The story carried in the last two editions of the Pau COL Terry Thomason USA 239-4222 Hana Koa “The Real Son Tay Story...one hell of a 247-5255 [email protected] night” will be continued in September. The story of [email protected] TUG the USS Barb appearing in this edition is timely in that Chair LAVA Col Lou Torraca USAF it took place 65 years ago just before the end of WW II CAPT George Sullivan USN 254-3286 which will be commemorated shortly. 623-2243 [email protected] [email protected] Richard Sullivan who took the pictures of Honolulu on VJ Surgeon State Legislative Affairs Day appearing on the back cover page is no relation. CDR John Boyer USN LtCol Tom Smyth USMC 988-1966 Volume 25, No. 8 Pau Hana Koa 531-2829 [email protected] [email protected] Published monthly by: Hawaii State Chapter, MOAA, Directory Business Manager PO Box 1185, Kailua, Hawaii 96734-1185 LCDR Tom Marzec, USN Sergeant –at– Arms Subscription included in annual chapter dues. 754-8857 VACANT Opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily [email protected] Hawaii State Chapter policy. Page 4 August 2010 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

As of 15 July 2010 - TOTAL GOAL IS $7000 Received to date $ 3,938 (Scholarships and Community Service)

DIAMOND CONTRIBUTORS ($1,000 or MORE) Phillip Heyenga

PLATINUM CONTRIBUTORS ($500 to $1,000) No one

GOLD CONTRIBUTORS ($100 TO $499) Rich Meiers, Robert McEldowney, Grant Story & Allyn Thompson, Ronald S. Bezanson, Myrl K. Noggle, Russell & Virginia Perkins, Rex R. Berglund, Leah D. Rowland, Dick & Kiyoko Vonier, Virginia O’Shaughnessy, Bruce Smith, Joe Vasey, Virginia Frizelle, Robert L. German, Joseph B. Comstock

SILVER CONTRIBUTORS ($50 TO $99) Tom Smyth, George & Roberta Sullivan, Thomas B. Wilson, Ellen McGarry, Thomas J. Wells, David Belatti

BRONZE CONTRIBUTORS ($25 TO $49) Kenneth M. Gormley, John L. Miller, Susie N. Patrinos, Randall E. Jaycox, M.E. Harris, Robert E. Walsh, Helen F. McArdle, Jim Kelly, Bill Moore, Glen Van Ingen

If you donated in any of these categories and your name is not present call me, Geoff Bangs 261-1455

NOW HEAR THIS!!! MOAA Hawaii State Chapter and Society of Military Widows PICNIC

12:00 noon SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2010 PAVILION 5A, BELLOWS AFS

PLAN NOW TO JOIN IN THE CAMARADERIE AND THE FUN! Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Teriyaki Chicken and Homemade Dishes OPEN BAR CONSISTING OF BEER, WINE AND SOFT DRINKS (included in the price!)

Mail your reservations with $10.00 per person by August 2, 2010 to: George E. Sullivan 94-451 Alapoai Street Mililani, HI 96789

Please call or E-mail George Sullivan at 623-2243 or [email protected]

with any questions or OFFERS TO HELP. Mahalo for your support.

______PLEASE CLIP AND MAIL IN YOUR RSVP______I (we) will see you there!! Guests are most welcome. Picnic Fee ($10.00 each) Checks made payable to Hawaii State Chapter MOAA $10 X ( ) = $______Donation: Scholarships $______Community Services $______Please bring a dish to share: COLE SLAW____MAC SALAD____POTATO SALAD____BAKED BEAN____OTHER_____

Names: ______Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA August 2010 Page 5 USS Barb: (continued from page 1) ties. We don't set it off, the TRAIN plates in the lower flats of an engine The rail line itself wouldn't be a prob- does." Not only did Hatfield have the room, then bent and welded them to cre- lem. A shore patrol could go ashore un- plan, he wanted to be part of the volun- ate the needed tools. The only der cover of darkness to plant the explo- teer shore party. things beyond their control were the sives...one of the sub's 55-pound scut- The solution found, there was no short- weather....and time. Only five tling charges. But this early morning age of volunteers, all that was needed days remained in the Barb's patrol. Lucky Fluckey and his officers were was the proper weather...a little cloud Anxiously watching the skies, Com- puzzling over how they could blow not cover to darken the moon for the mis- mander Fluckey noticed plumes of cir- only the rails, but also one of the fre- sion ashore. Lucky Fluckey established rus clouds, then white stratus capping quent trains that shuttled supplies his own criteria for the volunteer party: the mountain peaks ashore. A to equip the Japanese war machine. ...No married men would be included, cloud cover was building to hide the Such a daring feat could handicap except for Hatfield, three-quarters moon. This would be the the enemy's war effort for several days, ...The party would include members night. a week, perhaps even longer. It was a from each department, MIDNIGHT, July 23, 1945 crazy idea, just the kind of operation ...The opportunity would be split be- The Barb had crept within 950 yards of "Lucky" Fluckey had become famous tween regular Navy and Navy Re- the shoreline. If it was somehow seen ...or infamous...for. But no matter how serve sailors, from the shore it would probably be crazy the idea might have sounded, the ...At least half of the men had to have mistaken for a schooner or Japanese pa- Barb's skipper would not risk the lives been Boy Scouts, experienced in how to trol boat. No one would suspect an of his men. Thus the problem... how to handle themselves in medical emergen- American submarine so close to shore or detonate the charge at the moment the cies and in the woods. in such shallow water. Slowly the small train passed, without endangering the FINALLY, "Lucky" Fluckey would boats were lowered to the water and the life of a shore party. PROBLEM? Not lead the saboteurs himself. 8 saboteurs began paddling toward the on Commander Fluckey's ship. His phi- When the names of the 8 selected sailors enemy beach. Twenty-five minutes later losophy had always been "We don't was announced it was greeted with a they pulled the boats ashore and have problems, only solutions". mixture of excitement and disappoint- walked on the surface of the Japanese 11:27 AM ment. Among the disappointed was homeland. Having lost their points "Battle Stations!" No more time to seek Commander Fluckey who surrendered of navigation, the saboteurs landed near solutions or to ponder blowing up a his opportunity at the insistence of his the backyard of a house. train. The approach of a Japanese officers that "as commander he belonged Fortunately the residents had no dogs, freighter with a frigate escort demands with the Barb," coupled with the threat though the sight of human AND dog's traditional submarine warfare. By noon from one that "I swear I'll send a mes- tracks in the sand along the beach the frigate is laying on the ocean floor in sage to ComSubPac if you attempt this alerted the brave sailors to the potential pieces and the Barb is in danger of be- (joining the shore party himself)." Even for unexpected danger. coming the hunted. a Japanese POW being held on the Barb Stumbling through noisy waist-high 6:07 PM wanted to go, promising not to try to grasses, crossing a highway and Solutions! If you don't look for them, escape. then stumbling into a 4-foot drainage you'll never find them. And even then, In the meantime, there would be no ditch, the saboteurs made their way sometimes they arrive in the most un- more harassment of Japanese ship- to the railroad tracks. Three men were usual fashion. Cruising slowly beneath ping or shore operations by the Barb posted as guards, Markuson assigned to the surface to evade the enemy plane until the train mission had examine a nearby water tower. The now circling overhead, the monotony is been accomplished. The crew would Barb's auxiliary man climbed the ladder, broken with an exciting new idea. In- "lay low", prepare their equipment, then stopped in shock as he realized it stead of having a crewman on shore to train, and wait for the weather. was an enemy lookout tower....an OC- trigger explosives to blow both rail and July 22, 1945 (Patience Bay, Off the CUPIED tower. Fortunately the Japa- a passing train, why not let the train coast of Karafuto, Japan) nese sentry was peacefully sleeping and BLOW ITSELF up. Billy Hatfield Patience Bay was wearing thin the pa- Markuson was able to quietly withdraw was excitedly explaining how he had tience of Commander Fluckey and and warn his raiding party. cracked nuts on the railroad tracks as his innovative crew. Everything was The news from Markuson caused the a kid, placing the nuts between two ties ready. In the four days the saboteurs had men digging the placement for so the sagging of the rail under the anxiously watched the skies for cloud the explosive charge to continue their weight of a train would break them cover, the inventive crew of the Barb work more slowly and quietly. open. "Just like cracking walnuts," he had built their micro switch. When the Suddenly, from less than 80 yards away, explained. "To complete the circuit need was posed for a pick and shovel to an express train was bearing down on (detonating the 55-pound charge) we bury the explosive charge and batteries, them. hook in a micro switch ...between two the Barb's engineers had cut up steel (continues on page 7) Page 6 August 2010 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA

TUG by Colonel Lou Torraca USAF (Retired) If you’re like the thousands of other vacationers, business travelers or just going from one place to another, you are almost certainly going to con- nect to the internet to keep in touch, read the latest news or join friends and perhaps competitors to play a game or two. Based on many ques- tions relating to WiFi and HOTSPOTS, following is what U might call a primer on the topic. The way we connect to the Internet is changing very fast. Wired Internet is giving way to wireless Internet. Getting broadband Internet on a wireless connection has become quite common. Moreover, at places such as restaurants, coffee shops, airports, hotels, libraries or other public places, you can easily get wireless or Wi-Fi HOTSPOTS. If u aren't yet famil- iar with these terms, this column is 4 U...and even if U R, keep reading and U hopefully will pick-up some use- ful information U hadn't heard before. First and foremost: what is WiFi? WiFi actually stands for Wireless Fidelity and is the new term used to describe a wireless network based on the international 802.11 standard for local area networks. Typically WiFi is coupled with the term HOT-SPOT. What is a HOT-SPOT? A HOT-SPOT is a geographic area or zone that is enabled with high-speed wireless Internet access. HOT-SPOTs are generally available at many convenient public locations such as airports, cafés, hotels, hospitals, public buildings, shopping malls, parks and restaurants. Using either a laptop or handheld PDA that is WiFi 802.11 wirelessly-enabled, you can access the Internet or your corporate intranet at speeds up to 50 times faster than dial-up. What is 802.11 and what does it mean to me? IEEE 802.11 is an international standard for wireless networking. It permits different devices to communicate with one another using this standard. There are different versions of this standard and depending where U are U may be connected via any of the most common ones, 802.11b, g or n. Your laptop or PDA device must be enabled with an 802.11b, g or n network card or chip in order to communicate with a hotspot. There are both free ones and pay for use ones, but more and more places are starting to provide the free service, e.g. I recently flew in and out of the Cleveland Ohio airport and they had a terminal-wide free wiFi network. So, how does the service work? Most places have installed wireless access points throughout the building, cafe, terminal or mall, which transmit a radio signal wirelessly to a user's WiFi wireless network card. With a properly installed wireless network card, a user launches their browser and receives a login page to begin. Once they ok the Terms of Use Statement, they are able to connect to public Internet resources. With full connectivity to the Internet, users can access any Internet resources, as well as any corporate networks to which they have access from the Internet. What do I need to ac- cess the service? A laptop computer or handheld PDA running a current version of Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP/7 or MAC OS. A WiFi compliant (IEEE 802.11b, g or n) wireless network card. Most notebooks and netbooks are being shipped with the cards pre-installed or as a factory option. Also, an Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome or any of the MAC browsers. How fast are these WiFi HOT-SPOTS? The most used connection to the Internet is via a dedicated T1 circuit The WiFi 802.11b,g or n technology allows for speeds up to 100 Mbps, but actual throughput (speed) is governed, much like your home or office speed, by the T1 and how many users are connected at one time. Do I need to download or install any special software to connect to a network? The only software you will need is the software driver for your wireless network card and an Internet-ready web browser. How do I login to use the service? Turn on your computer, allow it to fully "boot" up, and set your wireless network card SSID to the name which is usu- ally displayed . Launch your web browser. A Log-in page should appear. A wireless "disclaimer" page will appear with Accept and Decline but- tons located on the bottom of the page. After reading the disclaimer and logon agreement, click the Accept but- ton. You are now good to go! If U have a problem, there should be someone U can ask for help, or, in the case of my most recent experience in Cleveland, a number to call with step-by-step instructions. Some HOTSPOT welcome pages have “support or help” links which contain helpful troubleshooting docs as well as “user guides”. Places like Starbucks usually have pretty knowledgeable folks that can help. What operating sys- tems are currently compatible with WiFi service? WiFi HOT-SPOTs are not OS-specific, and will work with any operating systems as long as there is a compati- ble, Internet-ready browser. That is about it as far as a primer, but another important aspect of WiFi HOTSPOTS is security! The security risk may be more at the public WiFi HOTSPOTS that are freely accessible by everybody at places like airports, malls, bookstores or coffee shops. Most don’t require any password to access them and they may not support secure access or encrypted connection. Your communication through such unsafe hotspots can easily be picked up or intercepted by hackers. Since checking email at such hotspots is a very common thing with most people, your passwords for the email accounts may be compro- mised. And, if you’re doing some online shopping through these wi-fi hotspots, your sensitive information such as credit card number and passwords may not be safe. Also, you may be exposed to the security threats in the form of viruses, worms, malware, spyware, etc. So what's a poor internet-eager person to do??? How about some basic safety tips for public hot- spots as well as the paid ones such as Verizon, T-Mobile, ATT, Boingo and iPass. Avoid conducting sensitive transactions at hotspots: Mostly a common sense solution! Use the WiFi HOTSPOTS to generally browse the Internet; but avoid using them for conducting sensitive transactions such as banking transactions or credit card transactions or shopping online, etc. Encrypt your important data: It is always advisable to encrypt your sensitive data and files. Lots of good programs to do this that are pretty easy to use...I like AxCrypt. Of course, you may not really need all those files you have on a notebook/netbook...a good house cleaning is always a smart idea before taking a trip. Check your settings for connecting to a network; disable auto connect, use manual, it gives U the control for the connection. Also make sure you have your fire- wall up and running...XP,Vista and 7 all have them, buit U may feel better using a third party one...Zone alarm and Comodo are both good and have free versions. Naturally, all your security software is up to date...it is isn't it? Anti virus , anti spyware and anti malware are all important tools in your security package. Pick security connections whenever U can...remember to check that httpS is used and that little padlock at the bottom of the page is closed. Finally, take a look at http://anchorfree.com select Hotspot Shield from the dropdown menu at the top left and read how it works to protect U...it's self-explanatory and it works...I have used it now for almost a year and can personally recommend it. Of course, if the ads bother U try www.ironkey.com where U can buy a secure flashdrive that will block any intruders. I didn’t spend any time writing about physical security because I know U protect your notebook/netbook as carefully a U do your wallet and credit cards, don’t U??? With that thought, I’ll let U get on with your packing...have a great and safe trip! Aloha, Lou Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA August 2010 Page 7

USS Barb SS 220: (cont. from page 5) neath the sub's keel, but Fluckey wanted On August 2, 1945 the Barb arrived at to be close in case trouble arose and a Midway, her twelfth war pa- daring rescue of his saboteurs became trol concluded. Meanwhile United necessary. States military commanders had pon- 1:45 A.M. dered the prospect of an armed assault The two boats carrying his saboteurs on the Japanese homeland. Mili- were only halfway back to the tary tacticians estimated such an inva- Barb when the sub's machine gunner sion would cost more than a mil- yelled, "CAPTAIN! Another train com- lion American casualties. Instead of The appearance was a surprise, it hadn't ing up the tracks!" The Commander such a costly armed offensive to end occurred to the crew during the planning grabbed a megaphone and yelled the war, on August 6th the B-29 bomber for the mission that there might be a through the night, "Paddle like the Enola Gay dropped a single night train. When at last it passed, the devil!", knowing full well that they atomic bomb on the city of Hi- brave but nervous sailors ex- wouldn't reach the Barb before the train roshima, Japan. A second such bomb, tracted themselves from the brush into hit the micro switch. unleashed 4 days later on Na- which they had leapt, to continue 1:47 A.M. gasaki, Japan, caused Japan to agree to their task. Twenty minutes later the The darkness was shattered by brilliant surrender terms on August 15th. On holes had been dug and the explosives light and the roar of the explosion. The September 2, 1945 in Tokyo Harbor the and batteries hidden beneath fresh soil. boilers of the locomotive blew, shat- documents ending the war in the Pacific During planning for the mission the tered pieces of the engine blowing 200 were signed. saboteurs had been told that, with the feet into the air. Behind it the cars began The story of the saboteurs of the U.S.S. explosives in place, all would retreat a to accordion into each other, bursting Barb is one of those unique, little known safe distance while Hatfield made the into flame and adding to the magnificent stories of World War II. It becomes in- final connection. If the sailor who had fireworks display. Five minutes later the creasingly important when one realizes once cracked walnuts on the railroad saboteurs were lifted to the deck by their that the 8 sailors who blew up the train tracks slipped during this final, danger- exuberant comrades as the Barb turned near Kashiho, Japan conducted the ous procedure, his would be the only to slip back to safer waters. Moving at ONLY GROUND COMBAT OPERA- life lost. On this night it was the only only two knots, it would be a TION on the Japanese "homeland" of order the saboteurs refused to obey, all while before the Barb was into waters World War II. The eight saboteurs were: of them peering anxiously over Hat- deep enough to allow it to submerge. Paul Saunders, William Hatfield, Fran- field's shoulder to make sure he did it It was a moment to savor, the culmina- cis Sever, Lawrence Newland, Edward right. The men had come too far to tion of teamwork, ingenuity and dar- Klinglesmith, James Richard, John Mar- be disappointed by a switch failure. ing by the Commander and all his crew. kuson, William Walker. 1:32 A.M. "Lucky" Fluckey's voice came over Footnote: Eugene Bennett Fluckey retired Watching from the deck of the Barb, the intercom. "All hands below deck not as a Rear Admiral, and wears in addition to Commander Fluckey allowed himself absolutely needed to maneuver the ship his Medal of Honor, FOUR Navy Crosses... a sigh of relief as he noticed the flash- have permission to come topside." He a record of awards unmatched by any living didn't have to repeat the invitation. American. In 1992 his own history of the light signal from the beach announcing U.S.S. Barb was published in the award the departure of the shore party. He had Hatches sprang open as the proud sail- winning book, THUNDER BELOW. skillfully, and daringly, guided the Barb ors of the Barb gathered on her decks to He died in 2007. within 600 yards of the enemy beach. proudly watch the distant fireworks dis- Thanks to Captain John Peters for pro- There was less than 6 feet of water be- play. The Barb had "sunk" a Japanese viding this story about a fellow subma- TRAIN! riner. USS Missouri Memorial

“The End of World War II” 65th Anniversary Ceremony (free and open to the public with RSVP) Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. RSVP at the following website by August 6th! https://www.mightymomembers.org/event/

Commemorate the end of history’s most devastating war where it ended. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, lo- cated a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the day of infamy that saw the sinking of USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor and ends with imperial Japan’s un- conditional surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. For questions or more information please contact us at [email protected]. Hawaii State Chapter, MOAA Non-Profit Org. US Postage P.O. Box 1185 PAID Kailua, Hawaii 96734-1185 Permit No. 702 Honolulu Hawaii Return Service Requested Attend ceremonies commemorating The End of World War II 65th Anniversary aboard Missouri September 2, 2010

UP-COMING CHAPTER ACTIVITIES: ------

ANNUAL PICNIC BELLOWS AFS, PAVILION 5A SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2010

For Reservation see Page 4

VJ Day August 14, 1945 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

Pictures above from a collection by Richard Sullivan copyright The Sullivan Family Trust

Japanese Imperial Government Surrender September 2, 1945