Modern Technology Keeps Pearl Harbor Alive-- Part 3: "One of the Stoves Exploded?"

John Trafny has written four books in the "Images of America" series.  His father, Steve Trafny, enlisted in 1939 and served in the 24th Division of the U.S. Army, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu.

"He was set to return stateside when they bombed Pearl Harbor," Trafny said.  "He was on his way to the mess hall  -- he thought one of he stoves exploded.  Then he saw the rising sun (the Japanese emblem) on the side of the plane.

As a teacher, he makes sure students hear the veterans speak first-hand about their war experiences.  He talked with his father and other family members to learn about what happened to them.  he saved photos and letters his father wrote home -- including the first letter from him that his family received after the attack.

--GreGen