OUR INTERNAL SECURITY DETACHMENT
… Something you probably didn’t know …
The July 29, 1960, headlines of the Metro edition of the Honolulu Star Bulletin read, “Guardsmen called out to assist in Prison Riot.”
The people of Oahu, especially those living in the Kalihi area were alarmed by the riot. They feared a mass outbreak of prisoners. They feared the possibility of being taken as hostages.
The actual riot did not last long. The Internal Security Detachment of the Hawaii National Guard played an important role in the quelling of the riot. When called to duty at approximately 3:00 a.m., the morning of the 29th, the men and officers realized the possible danger of this specific assignment. They played their part as individuals in bringing peace and quiet once again to the prison. . .
– 1961 December The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 4
Oahu Prison Riot. At 0300 hours, 29 July 1960 the Fort Ruger Internal Security Detachment under the command of Major Manuel DeMello Jr. and composed of full-time military personnel of the Dept. of Defense was ordered to State duty to assist Oahu Prison officials in quelling a prison disturbance. Five officers and 65 enlisted men participated in this action. This show of force and the efficient military manner in which the detachment operated contributed in quieting the unruly prisoners. The detachment assisted in controlling prisoners inside the prison augmented prison guards with expert marksmen at prison guard towers, provided for the movement by bus of 31 prisoners to the Marine Brig at Pearl Harbor and provided a general overall deterrent force to be used if necessary. At no time was the actual use of physical force necessary.
– 1961 Annual Report pp. 6
1960 (July)
Prisoners at Oahu Prison rioted during early morning hours. Guardsmen of the Internal Security Detachment, rushed to the prison and restored order. Although there have been many minor assistances rendered by the Guard over these past many years, in addition to those listed here, we have confined the list to major and unique assists.
– 1963 June The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 13