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Chester “Ski” Biernacki of Jamestown and Wally Walling of Valley Springs were among some 90 survivors who returned in December to Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack. Walling has attended every anniversary since 2003, but it was Biernacki’s first. Writer Chace Anderson accompanied Biernacki to Oahu and visited with Walling while there.
Jamestown resident and Pearl Harbor survivor Chester “Ski” Biernacki, 94, was aboard the USS Helena and only 400 yards from Wally Walling during the Japanese attack (see Summer 2014 story, From Pearl Harbor to Kula Gulf: A Survivor’s Story). A
Wally Walling was just 20 when he witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and its horrific aftermath. Now 95, he is one of few survivors who saw firsthand the toll of that day and of six Pacific invasions that followed.
Chester “Ski” Biernacki survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the stricken USS Helena. It was a close call for the 19-year-old sailor – and it was just the beginning.
By Deanna Maurer and Suzy Hopkins A few months ago Joe and Amy Haratani, seated next to 26 empty chairs, were stunned to find themselves receiving a standing ovation from a Modesto Junior College graduation crowd. The thunderous applause was
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