Richard Fiske
Master Sergeant (MSgt) Air Force 1922-1982 USS West Virginia
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Richard Fiske was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 26, 1922. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1940. Following Field Music School, he was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48) as a Marine Private bugler on July 6, 1940.

At 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, Richard was on the quarterdeck when the attack began. He witnessed the Japanese planes coming in and launching their torpedoes towards his ship. There were nine torpedoes and two bombs that would eventually destroy the battleship. After the first torpedo hits, Richard rushed to his battle station which was on the navigation bridge. A few minutes later, he witnessed the captain's death.

At about 9:30 a.m., the crew was ordered to abandon the sinking ship. Richard swam to nearby Ford Island.Richard remained assigned to the USS West Virginia until January of 1944 when he was promoted to Field Musician Sergeant and was transferred to the 5th Marine Division. He participated in the landing and the bloody battle for the Japanese stronghold on Iwo Jima in 1945.

After the war, Richard enlisted in the newly established United States Air Force in 1948. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a Crew Chief. He retired from the Air Force in 1969 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Richard began volunteering at the USS Arizona Memorial in 1982. Often referred to one of the park's many goodwill ambassadors, he had a special duty that he performed. Richard was given the honor of dedicating two roses once a month at the USS Arizona Memorial on behalf of Mr. Zenji Abe, a Japanese pilot who participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor. After placing the fowers in front of the names of the casualties from the USS Arizona, he played "Taps" on his bugle. The flowers were paid for by Mr. Abe and Richard continued to do this tribute for several years.

His narrations to visitors at the USS Arizona Memorial emphasized that the war had ended a long time ago and that good relations now existed between the United States and Japan. The Japanese pilots who attacked Oahu were following their orders and he no longer felt bitterness from their actions. His pursuits drew accolades here and abroad. In 1996, he received the Order of the Rising Sun with Silver Rays from the Japanese emperor. In January of 2004, he was honored by U.S. Secretary Gale Norton and Hawaii Governor, Linda Lingle for contributing more than 3,OOO hours of time to the USS Arizona Memorial. Richard Fiske passed way on April 2, 2004 at the age of 82.

Tribute Goal: $100

Donations Raised*: $10.00