Veterans Weekend – A Salute to Allied Victory in WW II – 80 Year Anniversary

A Pearl Harbor Veteran

Initially purchased by 2nd Lt. Gordon Sterling in May 1941
46th Pursuit Squadron – Wheeler Field – Pearl Harbor

December 7th, 1941, Wheeler Field was one of the first targets to be hit by the Japanese, and the P-36s were sitting ducks. When the Japanese attacked, they managed to destroy the 46th Pursuit Squadron, except for four planes. Lt. Sterling arrived on the scene and saw a P-36 on the runway with no pilot. As he entered the plane wearing only his street clothes from the night before, he handed his watch to the crew chief and said,” Give this to my mother.” He slammed the canopy and gunned the plane down the field.
Once airborne, Sterling was able to join a formation of three other P-36s. Hopelessly outgunned, the four P-36s engaged the enemy fighters with everything they had. Lt. Gordon Sterling was last seen in a steep dive in high-speed pursuit of two Zeros, both of which fell into the sea riddled with bullets from his .50 and .30-caliber machine guns. Unfortunately, another Zero closed in from behind Lt. Sterling’s plane, scoring hits all over it, causing his plane to burst into flames and fall into the sea. Lt. Sterling was lost forever.
Gordon was 22 years old when he was killed in action (KIA). He had plans to go on a picnic with his fiancée, Peggy.
After Gordon’s death, the military shipped the vehicle back to California, where it was then loaded onto a train and sent to Connecticut. Upon receiving the car, the family found the bullet hole through the windshield. Let us remember all that have served our country.

Also Appearing

[ Link to Base Access Pre-Registration Form ]

*Vets get reduced-price admission.