Kermit Tyler, American colonel and pilot (b. 1913)

Kermit Arthur Tyler (April 13, 1913 – January 23, 2010) was a distinguished American military officer whose career spanned several decades, deeply intersecting with one of the most pivotal moments in United States history: the attack on Pearl Harbor. Born in Oregon, Tyler committed his life to service, ultimately rising through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. His actions and decisions on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese surprise attack, became a subject of significant historical review and discussion, underscoring the complexities of wartime intelligence and command.

Kermit Tyler's Critical Role at Pearl Harbor

On the morning of December 7, 1941, First Lieutenant Kermit Tyler was assigned as a pilot in the 78th Pursuit Squadron, part of the 15th Pursuit Group, stationed at Wheeler Field, Hawaii. This squadron primarily operated the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, a vital aircraft for air defense. However, on that fateful Sunday, Tyler was serving as the duty officer at the Hawaiian Air Force's air defense information center. In this crucial role, he was responsible for monitoring and interpreting radar signals, a nascent and still developing technology at the time for military applications.

The Pivotal Radar Incident on December 7, 1941

At approximately 7:02 AM, Army Privates Joseph Lockard and George Elliott, manning one of the newly deployed mobile SCR-270 radar units at Opana Point on Oahu, detected a massive blip on their screen. This unusual and exceptionally large formation of aircraft was approaching from the north, an unexpected direction for any known friendly air traffic. They promptly reported this sighting to the information center. Lieutenant Tyler, as the duty officer, received the call. Given the standing orders and the expectation of a flight of U.S. B-17 Flying Fortress bombers from California scheduled to arrive that morning – flying without identification friend-or-foe (IFF) systems – Tyler misinterpreted the radar contact. Believing the incoming formation was these friendly, albeit off-schedule, heavy bombers, he famously instructed the operators, "Don't worry about it." This decision, made under pressure and with limited information, meant that no immediate alarm was raised, tragically allowing the first wave of Japanese attackers to proceed undetected by the air defense system.

Aftermath, Investigations, and Legacy

Minutes after Tyler’s assessment, the first Japanese planes unleashed their devastating assault on Pearl Harbor and nearby airfields. While Kermit Tyler's decision not to scramble aircraft or issue an immediate alert has been extensively analyzed, subsequent official investigations, including the highly publicized Roberts Commission, found no fault with his actions. These inquiries concluded that Lieutenant Tyler acted reasonably based on the fragmented information available to him, the inexperience with radar technology, and the prevailing assumptions of the day. His conduct highlighted the systemic failures in communication, coordination, and intelligence interpretation that plagued the Pearl Harbor defenses. Following the attack, Tyler continued his distinguished military career, serving through World War II and beyond, eventually retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 96, forever a figure intrinsically linked to one of America's most profoundly impactful historical events.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kermit Tyler and Pearl Harbor

Who was Kermit Arthur Tyler?
Kermit Arthur Tyler (1913–2010) was an American Air Force officer, most notably recognized for his role as the duty officer at the Hawaiian Air Force's air defense information center during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
What was Kermit Tyler's assignment at Pearl Harbor?
On December 7, 1941, First Lieutenant Tyler was a pilot with the 78th Pursuit Squadron, but on that specific morning, he served as the duty officer responsible for interpreting radar signals at the Hawaiian Air Force's air defense information center.
What significant decision did Kermit Tyler make regarding a radar warning on December 7, 1941?
Tyler famously dismissed a radar warning of a large inbound flight detected by Privates Joseph Lockard and George Elliott. He believed it was a scheduled arrival of U.S. B-17 Flying Fortress bombers from California, rather than the approaching Japanese attack force, thus preventing an earlier alert.
Was Kermit Tyler blamed for the Pearl Harbor attack?
No. Investigations, including the official Roberts Commission, determined that Lieutenant Tyler acted reasonably given the limited information, the newness of radar technology, and the expectation of friendly aircraft arrivals. He was not held responsible for the overall outcome of the attack.
What happened to Kermit Tyler after Pearl Harbor?
Kermit Tyler continued his military service, including through World War II, and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force. He lived a long life, passing away in 2010.