Coastal Defense
Worn from:
1942 - 1945.
Approved for local wear only.
In the wake of December 7th, 1941, the citizens of the Territory
of Hawaii (TOH) were immediately affected by the war. Realizing
the urgency to defend against an invasion, civilian volunteers
stepped fourth to help with war effort. This freed up the Garrison
troops on the islands for other pressing duties. In the early half
of 1942, nine supplemental defense were origanized in the TOH
and they recorganized as part of the Central Pacific Armed Forces.
These "last ditch soldiers" understood that they could be Federalized
(activated) by the Hawaiian Department, to defend against an invading force.
IAW: The Trading Post (July-September) 2002, page 33 "Guardians of the
Western Gate: The Hawaiian Rifles. by John Patton