75 Years Later- Pearl Harbor Tower Dedication
By Tech. Sgt. Taylor Worley, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces / Published December 06, 2016
Three generations of family, friends and members of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam community gathered to honor and remember U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Gordon A. Blake during a tower dedication ceremony Dec. 5, 2016.
Blake, then a Major in the Army Air Corps, was stationed at Hickam Field as the base operations officer during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
Blake was on the Hickam flight line when Japanese aircraft began their surprise attack on the field and without consideration for his own personal safety he proceeded to the control tower where he personally directed the landing of 12 unarmed returning B-17 Stratofortresses to five separate air strips across Oahu. His courage and knowledge were instrumental is the safe landing of the aircraft amid the attack.
For his courage and dedication to the safety of the aircraft and fellow Airmen, Blake received the Silver Star.
Now, 75 years later, he is being honored again for his bravery that fateful day as Airmen unveiled a plaque detailing Blake's actions.
With a speech and memories shared by retired Col. Robert Blake, Blake’s youngest son, and a Hawaiian prayer and blessing, the aircraft control tower at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was dedicated in honor of Lt. Gen. Blake.
“[This is] an enormous tribute to an unbelievable man” said retired Colonel Blake, “what a sterling career he had and brought up his family in those [same] kind of values.”
The ceremony concluded with a performance by the USO Show Troupe and tours of the tower for attendees.
The event was part of an island-wide joint commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
Excerpts from the dedication speech by Colonel Robert (Bob) Blake, USAF, Retired . . .
Fifteen years ago, my stepmother, Aina Blake, and I had the privilege of dedicating the Distinguished Visitors lounge here in Hawaii in my father’s honor. We hoped the Control Tower would be next. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam lived up to the commitment. The Blake family is happy to be in attendance and include my brother-in-law, Ted, and son Jerry. Thank you immensely in honoring Gordon Blake on this memorable occasion.
I recall only two items from that day of infamy . . . I saw the reality as 13 bullet holes riddled our 1938 Packard. And, we watched both war theaters as my Dad served in the Pacific and my Uncle Gerry fought in Europe. Later great memories were shared when those two West Point roommates reunited, particularly when the Air Force became a separate service!
As the third child, I was reminded of following talented siblings with my father's advice--"You've got to do your own growing no matter how tall your father is." Flying fighters for brother Gerry and myself was the avenue for making a mark alone. We always had that welcome shadow to keep us focused, along with a dynamic Mother to keep us aligned with proper values.
There are volumes of stories about my Dad, Gordon Blake, but I will be brief with several about his character.
I was improving in basketball after a late start in JV, and my Dad came to the games. He made a comment to the coach about one kid not playing. My playing stopped right then but gave me an insight as to how to treat everyone with respect. I recovered to have a successful high school and Air Force Academy hoops career, not letting momentary setbacks define me.
Another story is when my squadron deployed to Florida for air defense during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I flew into Maryland, and my Mother picked me up while Dad was at work in the National Security Agency as the 3-star Director. He came home late. I later learned he had called President Kennedy with the good news the Soviets had blinked on the missile ships.
During a visit to the Oval office in 1975, my Dad and President Ford had a chance to reflect on Intel strengths. I was able to arrange the meeting, I served as the Air Force Military Assistant during the Vice Presidency and Presidency of Gerald Ford. I oversaw the fall of Viet Nam. I watched these two giants knowing both had the same values and ideals for their fellow man and what is best for the country.
Lastly, one quick story- I was selected to fly the F-4s in 1963, and my Dad announced his retirement in 1965 from National Security Agency. He opted to have his retirement ceremony in San Antonio. My boss let me take a flight of four F-4s to Kelly AFB, but bad weather caused the air traffic folks to only let me get airborne, staying below the clouds. My flyby was within limits but my Dad said it was time to turn over the reins for good at those speeds!
Thank you again for honoring OUR HERO -Gordon A. Blake!