Photo By Grady Fontana | 180206-N-IX266-002 LAEM CHABANG, Thailand—Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) large,...... read more read more
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Contract mariners aboard of USNS Pililaau (T-AKR 304) say the ship’s namesake is a source of pride and inspiration for the ship’s crew.
Army Pfc. Herbert K. Pililaau, born in Waianae, Hawaii, fought relentlessly during the battle of Heartbreak Ridge in September 1951. He is believed to be the first Hawaiian to earn the Medal of Honor.
“It is important history like this that paves the path to a more diverse America that we can all be proud of,” said Capt. Ryan Alexander master of the Military Sealift Command ship named for the Hawaii native.
“Accomplishments like Pililaau’s are a step toward allowing everyone from any background and ethnic groups to be represented. There will be firsts from all different groups until one day it will be as common for all types of people to be properly recognized for their great sacrifices.
“Maybe firsts in themselves are stones down a path where first no longer exists. If so, Pililaau added a stone down this path. It is a path that creates equality and allows all types of people to be represented equally.”
The ship’s captain explains that as an adolescent, Pililaau made the decision to join the U.S. Army. During his time in Company C, 23D Infantry Regiment, 2D Infantry Division, near Pia-Ri, Korea, Pililaau realized what his company meant to him.
“The people he served with, were not just soldiers. They were his brothers. In Korea where the conditions were less than forgiving, his squad is what kept him going through the trenches,” Alexander said.
“Somehow, even in the darkest times of the winding, depraved areas in which Company C found themselves, their camaraderie brought them peace.”
Events at Heartbreak Ridge put this camaraderie to the test.
With North Koreans firing relentlessly, the squad was quickly running out of ammunition to fight back. Withdrawal to the main body was the only option left after the group exhausted all their resources and options.
Pililaau and his squadron leader, were left to hold the North Koreans back while their squad -- their brothers -- retreated to safety.
Alexander believes Pililaau knew “deep in his heart” that staying back meant sacrificing his life for his brothers, yet the private first class did not hesitate to do so to protect them. When he ran out of ammunition, he threw hand grenades. He refused to give up despite how quickly the situation began to spiral into chaos. The soldier from Hawaii fended them off until he had nothing left in his artillery but rocks and a trench knife. Pililaau charged the enemy with his trench knife single handedly, creating a distraction while his fellow soldiers retreated to safety.
According to the Medal of Honor citation, when Piliaau’s body was finally discovered, it was surrounded by 40 deceased North Korean soldiers.
“It puts into perspective how hard he fought and how big his heart was to bleed for those who became his family,” Alexander said.
“In his final moments, Herbert Pililaau gave his all. Men like Herbert K. Pililaau remind us of what it means to be willing to sacrifice everything.”
Alexander explains that the ship’s namesake’s legacy of courage and bravery are inspirations for his crew every day.
“You never can truly realize the importance of the name of your vessel, until one day it hits you with a gale force. It’s a reminder of not only the brave souls who have given everything for their country but also the rich history and traditions that make us all American” he said.
“We keep the traditions of this country alive, and we keep the names of the people who represent those traditions close to our hearts.
“To protect our brothers and sisters fighting for liberty every day, is the greatest honor one could do for this country. The honor of our ship being named after a Medal of Honor recipient is a silent reverie.”
Alexander explains that the moment the crew first gathers together, “is the moment we become brothers and sisters.
“Herbert K. Pililaau was a protector. He laid down his arms and sacrificed himself so that his fellow squad members – his family in arms -- could go home someday. It is that kind of courage that you rarely see in anyone, but it almost completely automatic inside the mind of mariner.
“Our crew becomes our family, and we learn to protect each other because we all want to return home at the end of our voyage.”
Pililaau’s actions in Korea inspires the ship’s crew members “to act bravely in the face of battles we may face on our own journeys,” according to Alexander.
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2021 06:20 |
| Story ID: | 396186 |
| Location: | U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 365 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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