CalVet to Honor Pearl Harbor Survivor....

[boardman]

CalVet to Honor Pearl Harbor Survivor Who Raised U. S. Flag on USS California after Japanese Attack

WHO: Durrell Conner, Pearl Harbor Survivor

WHAT: Reception

WHEN: Friday, March 7, 2014 – Noon

WHERE: California Department of Veterans Affairs

Medal of Honor Hall

1227 O Street, Sacramento

BACKGROUND:

On December 7, 1941, 23-year-old Yeoman 2nd Class Durrell Conner was aboard the USS California when it was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by Japanese bombers. After the attack, Conner and another Sailor noticed the battleship’s U. S. flag lying on the deck and raised it. That flag is believed to be the one that hangs permanently in the Medal of Honor Hall at the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). Connor is coming to see the flag for the first time in more than 70 years and will be honored at a reception.

In attendance:

Pearl Harbor Survivor Durrell Conner and his wife, Peg; Veronica Badillo, Office of Assemblymember Rocky Chávez, Vice-Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee; Diane Vanderpot, CalVet Undersecretary, Veterans Homes of California; Pearl Harbor survivors and other members of the Gold Country Base, U.S. Submarine Veterans; Naval Jr. ROTC Cadet Honor Guard, Luther Burbank High School;