[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND NOBLE MILITARY SERVICE OF AVIATION MACHINIST'S 
                  MATE, FIRST CLASS, DANIEL T. GRIFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2023

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and noble 
military service of Aviation Machinist's Mate, First Class, Daniel T. 
Griffin, who died in the line of duty at Kaneohe Naval Air Station 
during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
  AMM1c Daniel Griffin was born in Allendale, Illinois, and moved to 
Colorado Springs, Colorado as an infant with his family. While growing 
up, AMM1c Griffin enjoyed hunting and fishing and worked for the 
Gazette Telegraph Co. during his years at Colorado Springs High School 
where he graduated in 1928.
  AMM1c Griffin enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19 in 
1930 with a desire to serve his country and see the world. As he served 
in the Navy, it became his dream to become a pilot. In 1937, he 
reported to flight school graduating as an AMM2c Naval Aviation Pilot 
with his Patrol Bomber Y pilot's license in 1938. Following graduation, 
AMM1c Griffin was transferred to Pearl Harbor and later Kaneohe Bay in 
March of 1941.
  Kaneohe Bay sits on the east side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. On 
December 7, 1941, this area was one of the first parts of Hawaii to be 
attacked by the Japanese Imperial Forces. During that morning, AMM1c 
Griffin was standing watch and was one of the first servicemen to alert 
others of the Japanese attack. Swimming out to his plane, AMM1c Griffin 
immediately jumped into action to try and save his plane from 
destruction as it sat in the waters of the bay.
  However, his aircraft was hit by Japanese machine gun fire as it 
became airborne leaving the waters. His plane crashed, but he survived 
and was badly burned. He attempted to swim to shore, but tragically 
lost his life at the hands of the Japanese machine gun fire. AMM1c 
Griffin was the first Coloradan to die in the attack on Pearl Harbor 
and World War II. He left behind his wife, Lucille, and two children, 
Danelle and Donald, and was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in 
Colorado Springs.
  AMM1c Griffin was issued a citation by Admiral Nimitz for his valor 
in combat. In 1943 the United States Navy commissioned the U.S.S. 
Daniel T. Griffin APD 38, an Escort Vessel, in recognition of AMM1c 
Griffin's sacrifice at Pearl Harbor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring 
the life and service of Aviation Machinist's Mate, First Class, Daniel 
T. Griffin, who faithfully served his country, community, family, and 
Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

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