Department of Defense

Waimea. Kauai Flood: A flash flood of the Waimea river in August swept through the town isolating and threatening the lives of hundreds of its inhabitants. Approximately twenty volunteers from the 3rd Bn 298th Infantry, Kauai rushed to the assistance of the civil agencies. The 3rd Bn DUKW proved extremely valuable in the rescue of 80 persons who were hopelessly trapped in the path of the swirling river. These guardsmen stayed on the job continuously for three days and received high praise from many sources for their efficient service.

To care for the evacuees, the American Red Cross needed blankets, clothing, cots, and other supplies, all of which had to be flown in from Honolulu. The 199th Fighter Squadron, HANG was requested to assist and within two and one-half hours a C-46 was on its way carrying the essential supplies required.

– 1950-1951 Annual Report pp. 15

HNG and the Waimea Flood

Guardsmen from the 3rd Bn., 298th Infantry, stationed on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, received warm commendation from the Governor, Kauai Government officials, and disaster relief agencies for splendid rescue efforts in August 1950 at Waimea, Kauai. A flash flood swept through the town of Waimea cutting off the town and threatening the lives of hundreds of citizens. Volunteers from Hq. Co., Co. I, and Co. K immediately manned trucks and one amphibious DUKW. Despite heavy winds and torrential rains, they rescued a considerable number of the town’s cosmopolitan population. The DUKW, operated by Cpl. Robert Rego and directed by Charles Cherry and Lt. Tokunori Yamada brought in over 80 persons cut off and almost given up for lost. Hundreds of cots, blankets, and aid materials were carried by the Guardsmen as they worked and fought the flood round the clock for 3 successive days. Lt. Col. Albert Duvel, Bn. CO, coordinated their efforts assisted by Lt. Abel Medeiros, other members of the staff, and M/ Sgts. Edward Miyake, Charles Schimmelfennig, Sgts. Lawrence Carvalho, Dominader Tomacder, Kan Yau Chang, Albert Kali, and Cpl. Robert Rego.

Warm praise for men of Kauai’s Guard units was extended by Ingram Stainback, Governor of Hawaii in a letter to the units as follows; “Will you please convey my thanks and congratulations to the officers and men of the 3rd, Bn., 298th Inf., Hawaii National Guard, for the excellent public service performed by them during the recent flood at Waimea, Kauai. The task of evacuating residents of Waimea from the danger zone was accomplished in an efficient manner. Members of the Guard on Kauai demonstrated that they are able and willing to cooperate fully with other organizations such as the Red Cross and the County Government. They Showed that the Guard is ready to serve in peace time as well as in war.”

Brig. General F. W. Makinney added further praise by stating; “I wish to add my congratulations for a task splendidly performed. It is by such outstanding work that our Hawaii National Guard holds an enviable position.”

Col. R. L. Stevenson, RCT Commander added still further praise by stating “The splendid cooperation and fine efficiency of the Kauai units upheld the tradition and reputation of the 298th Infantry Regiment. My congratulations for a fine job well-done.”

– 1950 October The Hawaii Guardsmen pp. 13

A flash flood hit Waimea, Kauai in Aug 1950. A HANG C-46 was winging its way to Kauai loaded with American Red Cross blankets, clothing, cots and other supplies within 2½ hours of request.

– HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard pp. 18