"Orders to Pearl Harbor"

 On December 7th, 1941, US Navy patrol squadrons participating in  the North Atlantic Neutrality Patrol learned of the attacks on Pearl Harbor in the early evening, due to the time zone differences.  The next day, VP-71 and 72 received their orders to Pearl Harbor. VP-71 left on December 9th and made 6 stops before arriving in Pearl Harbor the day after Christmas.  Some detachments of VP-71 and 72 departed and stopped at other Naval Air Stations per different schedules than what is in Ken's flight log page on the proposed cover below.  Assignments included recovery and protection patrols of the Hawaiian Islands, ultimately fighting in the Pacific War.  Ken served from 1934-1961.  Began as an Enlisted Apprentice Seaman; became an Aviation Chief Metalsmith -  Naval Aviation Pilot in 1940;  promoted to Officer/Ensign -  Naval Aviator in 1942; fought in WWII, Korean War and Cold War. Retired in 1961 as a US Navy Lieutenant Commander.