Kermit Tyler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kermit Arthur Tyler
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| Born | April 13, 1913 Oelwein, Iowa |
| Died | January 23, 2010 (aged 96) San Diego, California |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1962 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 78th Pursuit Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Legion of Merit |
| Other work | Real Estate Broker |
Kermit Arthur Tyler (April 13, 1913 – January 23, 2010) was an American Air Force officer. He was a pilot in the 78th Pursuit Squadron at Pearl Harbor. He became well-known for his role on December 7, 1941, the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
Early Life and Military Service
Kermit Tyler was born on April 13, 1913, in Oelwein, Iowa. His family later moved to Long Beach, California. Before joining the military, he spent two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was a program that gave jobs to young men during the Great Depression. In 1936, he joined the United States Army Air Corps to become a pilot.
The Day at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Kermit Tyler was a first lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps. He was the Executive Officer for the 78th Pursuit Squadron at Pearl Harbor. That morning, he was the Officer In Charge of the Pearl Harbor Intercept Center. His job was to help order American planes to check on unknown aircraft.
A radar operator, Private Joseph P. McDonald, warned him about many planes approaching. Lieutenant Tyler thought these were six B-17 bombers expected from the mainland. The radar operator did not clearly explain how big the group of planes was. He also did not say that an attack was about to happen. In reality, these were Japanese planes coming to attack the base.
Later, an investigation looked into what happened. It found that Tyler had little to no training for his role. He also had no supervision or staff to help him. The investigation cleared him of any blame. No disciplinary actions were taken against him.
Later Life and Career
Kermit Tyler continued his military career. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1961 as a lieutenant colonel. After leaving the military, he earned a business degree. He then worked as a real estate broker. Tyler passed away in San Diego, California, on January 23, 2010. He was 96 years old and died from pneumonia.
