(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The City of Colorado Springs is dedicating an overpass to the first American serviceman killed at Kaneohe Naval Air Station in 1941.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Navy Aviation Machinist Mate First Class Daniel T. Griffin was killed in an attack at the naval station, which occurred seven minutes before Pearl Harbor, the attack that drew the U.S. into World War II. Griffin was stationed at Kaneohe Bay on Oahu and was a 1928 graduate of Colorado Springs High School — now known as Palmer High School.
Griffin joined the Navy two years after graduating from Colorado Springs High School to “see the world.” Griffin was killed when he attempted to fly the only plane that was available to defend people on the ground. The plane was shot down, and as he swam back to shore, he was struck by gunfire.
“His heroism and valor in defending Oahu were recognized with a Purple Heart and the commissioning of the USS Daniel T. Griffin escort ship,” a statement by the City said.
The city is dedicating the Interstate 25 overpass on North Academy Boulevard to Griffin.
“He brought and displayed courage, honor, service, and sacrifice to protect Colorado and our country, and he is an American hero,” said Dave Griffin, Daniel’s grandson.
The overpass was dedicated on Tuesday, June 17, during a ceremony. The presentation included remarks from city representatives and Dave, who announced that the school is working on a memorial for Daniel at Palmer High School.
