Remembering a credit union hero of Pearl Harbor

Remembering Pear Harbor…

On December 7^th 1941 as the first wave of enemy planes began  to attack Hickam Field several scored direct hits on the Hawaiian Air Depot's engineering building. After the first raid, all Hawaiian Air Depot officers came in to help with firefighting, salvaging material, and other heroic work to keep the depot operation amidst the attack. Approximately 100 civilian employees also reported for duty, including Mr. Phillip Ward Eldred, a purchasing clerk. 

Mr. Eldred had helped create the Hawaiian Air Depot credit union, and was dedicated to the coworkers who had trusted the fledgling institution with their hard earned money.  After the order was given to abandon the depot because of the devastating fire it was under Eldred suddenly remembered that the credit union deposits and records were still in the now burning building and turned to retrieve them.  He was rushing to save the credit union records when he was strafed by enemy fire and killed just outside of his office.  Mr. Eldred's second job you see,  was treasurer/manager of that credit union, and he knew it was vital to those he trusted and fought beside.  That credit union that he gave his life to save is what is now the Hickam Federal Credit Union at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Hickam Depot after the attack

 

So many heroic acts and phenomenal sacrifices came from that infamous day in December, I just wanted to highlight one that, as a credit union leader, I have a heartfelt connection to.  What an amazing Country we live in, thanks to the amazing men and women who have fought to keep it that way.