Births on April 13

Kermit Tyler, American lieutenant and pilot (d. 2010)

Kermit Arthur Tyler: A Figure Etched in Pearl Harbor History

Kermit Arthur Tyler, born on April 13, 1913, and passing away on January 23, 2010, was an American Air Force officer whose name became inextricably linked with one of the most pivotal moments in United States history: the attack on Pearl Harbor. His career as a dedicated military aviator placed him directly in the path of destiny, making him a witness and participant in events that reshaped the world.

Early Career and Assignment to Pearl Harbor

Tyler's journey through the ranks of the U.S. military led him to become a skilled pilot. By December 1941, he was assigned to the 78th Pursuit Squadron, a unit based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This strategic naval base was the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and a critical military outpost, making it a natural hub for air defense units like the pursuit squadrons, which were essentially fighter units tasked with intercepting enemy aircraft and protecting vital assets. His role as a pilot meant he was part of the frontline defense, poised to scramble and defend against any aerial threat that might emerge in the Pacific theatre.

The Fateful Morning of December 7, 1941

The dawn of December 7, 1941, was a Sunday, and for many stationed at Pearl Harbor, it promised to be a quiet day. However, for Lieutenant Tyler, who was serving as the duty officer at the Information Center that morning, it began with an unusual alert. At approximately 7:02 AM, two private first class soldiers, Joseph Lockard and George Elliott, operating an SCR-270 radar unit at Opana Point, detected a large formation of aircraft approaching from the north. The radar operators, relatively new to their posts and training, reported this unusual contact to the Information Center.

Upon receiving the report, Lieutenant Tyler, reviewing the unfamiliar radar data, made a critical assessment. At the time, a flight of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers from the mainland United States was expected to arrive at Pearl Harbor from the east. Furthermore, a group of U.S. Navy aircraft was also scheduled for training exercises. Considering these known friendly air movements and lacking comprehensive experience with the newly installed radar system, Tyler advised the radar operators to "Don't worry about it," believing the large blips on the screen were likely the expected B-17s. This assessment, made under immense pressure and with incomplete information in the fog of pre-war preparations, would soon be tragically overshadowed by events.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

Minutes after Tyler's reassuring words, the first wave of Japanese aircraft descended upon Pearl Harbor, initiating a devastating surprise attack that crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet and instantly thrust the United States into World War II. The once-expected "friendly planes" were, in fact, enemy fighters and bombers, and the radar contact had been the leading edge of the Japanese assault force. Tyler, like all personnel at Pearl Harbor that day, immediately faced the chaos and destruction of the attack. Despite the harrowing circumstances, he continued to serve his nation, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of the unheeded warning.

A Legacy Remembered

Kermit Tyler’s involvement in the Pearl Harbor incident became a poignant historical footnote, illustrating the complexities of military intelligence and decision-making during wartime. While often viewed through the lens of hindsight, his actions that morning were a product of the prevailing circumstances, including nascent radar technology, the expectation of friendly air traffic, and the sheer audacity of the Japanese attack. He lived a long life, passing away at the age of 96, and his story remains an important, albeit somber, reminder of the human element in military history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kermit Arthur Tyler

Who was Kermit Arthur Tyler?

Kermit Arthur Tyler was an American Air Force officer, best known for his role as the duty officer at the Information Center at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when radar operators detected the approaching Japanese attack force.

What was his rank and unit at Pearl Harbor?

On December 7, 1941, Kermit Arthur Tyler was a Lieutenant assigned as a pilot in the 78th Pursuit Squadron, and he was serving as the duty officer at the Information Center.

What was his role in the Pearl Harbor attack?

Before the attack, as the duty officer at the Information Center, Lieutenant Tyler received a report from radar operators who had detected a large formation of aircraft approaching. Believing these to be expected American B-17 bombers, he advised the operators not to worry about the contact, an assessment that preceded the actual Japanese attack.

Why did he dismiss the radar contact?

Lieutenant Tyler dismissed the radar contact primarily because a flight of B-17 bombers from the mainland was expected at Pearl Harbor at that time. Additionally, he was aware of scheduled U.S. Navy training flights, and the radar system was relatively new, leading him to conclude the blips were likely friendly aircraft.

Did Kermit Tyler face consequences for his decision?

While his decision was later scrutinized, military inquiries into the Pearl Harbor attack acknowledged the complex circumstances, including incomplete information, nascent radar technology, and the overall state of alert. Tyler was not formally disciplined or court-martialed for his actions that day, and he continued to serve in the Air Force for many years.