Memorial honors Hawaii soldiers killed in 1942 ship attack

Ceremony remembers 17 Hawaii-born troops who died when their Army transport was torpedoed off Big Island

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A new memorial in Hilo honors the Hawaii-born soldiers who were killed when the U.S. Army Transport Royal T. Frank was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the Big Island in 1942. Family members attended the unveiling ceremony by the Hawaii Army National Guard, remembering the 17 soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment who died in the attack.

Why it matters

The sinking of the Royal T. Frank was a tragic event in Hawaii's history during World War II, when Japanese submarines were active in the islands' waters. This memorial helps preserve the memory of the Hawaii soldiers who lost their lives in the attack and recognizes their service.

The details

On January 28, 1942, the Royal T. Frank was part of a three-ship convoy including a Navy destroyer when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine about 30 miles north of the Big Island. The initial explosion killed those below deck, while shrapnel killed the ship's captain and others above. The vessel sank in less than a minute, and of the 60 people aboard, only 36 survived. Nine soldiers from Hawaii's Big Island were among the survivors, becoming known as the 'Torpedo Gang'.

  • The attack occurred on January 28, 1942.
  • The memorial was unveiled by the Hawaii Army National Guard on February 8, 2026.

The players

Royal T. Frank

The U.S. Army Transport ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the Big Island in 1942.

1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment

The military unit that included the Hawaii-born soldiers aboard the Royal T. Frank.

Hawaii Army National Guard

The organization that unveiled the memorial honoring the soldiers killed in the 1942 attack.

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What they’re saying

“I saw a torpedo coming straight at us. It veered as it approached. It appeared to be moving very slowly and seemed to be running down. It struck opposite the starboard boiler. There was a terrific explosion. As soon as I had seen the wake (of the torpedo), I ran forward shouting 'torpedo!'”

— Unnamed officer (New York Times)

What’s next

The memorial will be a permanent fixture at the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo, honoring the sacrifice of the Hawaii soldiers who died in the 1942 attack.

The takeaway

This memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Hawaii's soldiers during World War II, and helps preserve the memory of those who lost their lives in the sinking of the Royal T. Frank off the Big Island.