The Specialized Advisor

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Matthew Davis graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School and is here, photographed with Pete O’Hare’s patch. It meant a lot to take that patch with him.

Author Note
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Matthew Davis. I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. I attest that this work is my own, original work and not that of another student, scholar, or internet source. I understand that I am responsible for knowing and correctly utilizing referencing and bibliographical guidelines.

The Specialized Advisor

There are only a few times that you will meet someone [who] has a lasting impact on your life. This essay is about the Warrant Officer who has had that impact on me. This person possessed the Warrant Officer competencies and that of the Army Profession, even though he was a Marine Corps Warrant Officer. His military expertise and leadership capabilities allowed him to be an innovative integrator during his service to our nation. The Warrant Officer I am going to write about is Chief Warrant Officer 5 Peter “Wheeler” O’Hare. Pete started as a 1390 Expeditionary Fuels Officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1979. Pete served in several operations, from counterdrug operations to deployments in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Pete integrated and improved systems while deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he improved the fuel offload capabilities from six miles offshore to seventy miles inland, bolstering abilities to get fuel along the route we controlled by a factor of ten. Even after retirement, Pete continued to serve his community and nation. From providing hurricane support with one of his historical airplanes that he restored to helping me find the role of a Warrant Officer. Pete O’Hare is a man that is worth remembering and showing as an example of an outstanding Warrant Officer.


Core Competencies.

A warrant officer’s reputation precedes them. Someone always knows them. This is a double-edged sword. Warrant Officers are judged by their competencies. Using the Leadership Requirements Model (LRM) from the Army Doctrine Pamphlet (ADP) 6-22 we can see the criteria that all Soldiers are “graded” on. I believe Chief O’Hare fully exemplified all core competencies and attributes of a leader to the highest echelon. But I specifically want to talk about the intellect and develops portions of the LRM. To be an innovative integrator, you must have intellect. Pete showed high levels of intellect when he completely redesigned the fuel pipeline in Iraq to exponentially increase the distance for refueling supplies. ADP 6-22 talks about innovation under the Intellect chapter. It states that “Being innovative requires creative thinking that uses both adaptive (drawing from expertise and prior knowledge) and innovative approaches (developing completely new ideas)” (Department of the Army, 2019). Pete not only exemplified innovation and intellect in his life as a Marine, but also as an avid aircraft and classic car restorer. Pete was able to develop many people throughout his life, including myself. When I attended Pete’s funeral at the Arlington National Cemetery, I saw many people my age who, just like me, were influenced and developed by Pete to be the best leader and person they could be. This only further cemented the fact to me that Pete was a true leader and mentor. ADP 6-22 says “Leaders look ahead and prepare subordinates with potential to assume positions with greater leadership responsibility.” Pete not only looked for ways to prepare others to replace him and those within his organization, but he also looked to prepare others to replace themselves. He encouraged others to look inward and be the best they can be for others around them. As a leader, he made leaders.


A Steward in Any Profession.

A leader doesn’t abandon his post and leave others to frantically fill the void. A true leader trains his replacement. The biggest impact Pete had was on people. I first met Pete when I was working at a small airport after high school. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my life. Pete saw my willingness to learn and my passion for aviation and service to country as a catalyst to become a warrant officer myself. Pete mentored me to pick up the torch and lead when he didn’t have to. He was retired by that point and had no obligation to mentor me. ADP 1 says “Through stewardship, Army professionals commit to the long-term effectiveness of the profession.” (Department of the Army, 2012). Pete followed that to the letter. He focused on developing me to contribute to the long-term stability of the profession of warfighter. “Stewardship requires commitment from a leader, responsibility, and personal accountability to ensure the development of future generation” (Russell,2018). Pete could have given up and taken the time he took to develop me as a leader to spend with his family and enjoying his retirement, but if I was willing to work and put in effort, he was right there next to me. He continued to pour into me when he had no obligation or reward for doing so. As a Leader, Mentor, and Marine, Pete was the perfect definition of a Warrant Officer. He was an innovative integrator, operator, competent beyond reason, a leader of many in and out of military service, and an advisor to countless people. His attitude was contagious and his work ethic unmatched. Within five minutes he could influence a group of strangers into helping accomplish a task. But most importantly, he changed my life and gave me guidance that will never be matched. A military journal by MSG Leslie Renken says “When the relationship between you and your Soldier goes beyond what happens at “work” and the Soldier looks to you for your guidance in life-changing decisions that affect not only his or her career but their family and their future, you have progressed beyond being a great leader” (Renken, 2017). I firmly believe Pete was a great leader.

Carrying his legacy

CWO 5 O’Hare was the perfect example of character, presence, and intellect. An outstanding leader, developer of Warrant Officers, and an achiever of whatever he worked on. He was an innovator, but most importantly to me, he was a steward of the profession. Pete was a great friend and the best mentor anyone can ask for. While I never knew him while he was serving in the Marines, I know for certain he was an outstanding Warrant Officer and lived the values, attributes, and competencies daily throughout his life. He was a trusted leader and someone I continue to look up to and strive to be as a Warrant Officer, leader, and person. I firmly believe that I would not be where I am today without his guidance and mentorship. He didn’t just train a replacement; he forged many leaders to take his place in a position that he had given a life of service to.

References

Department of the Army. (2012). The Army (ADP 1). Retrieved from https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/303969.pdf

Department of the Army. (2019). Army leadership and the profession (ADP 6-22). Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ADP6_22_2019.pdf.

P Russell, R. (2018, October 29). A stewardship of the profession. ArmyUPress.mil. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCOJournal/Archives/2018/October/Stewardship/

Renken, L. (2017, December 13). Mentorship: understanding a leader’s investment. ArmyUPress.mil. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/nco-journal/docs/Mentorship.pdf

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“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy…”

By Rebecca McAllister

On December 7, 2024, my mother was so disappointed that neither the media nor anyone else she had heard acknowledged the “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.” At 8 years old, she remembers hearing Roosevelt’s speech on the radio when she was home from elementary school for lunch that Monday.

Air Station personnel move a damaged PBY Catalina away from burning hangars at Kaneohe Naval Air Station, Oahu, Hawaii, Dec 7, 1941 —Colorized, Public Domain, US Navy.
Air Station personnel move a damaged PBY Catalina away from burning hangars at Kaneohe Naval Air Station, Oahu, Hawaii, Dec 7, 1941 —Colorized, Public Domain, US Navy.

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, just before 0800, Japan launched a surprise attack on U.S. military bases at Pearl Harbor and the Philippines, subsequently declaring war on the United States and the British Empire.

While we often hear about the ships destroyed in the harbor on that day, attacks were made in numerous places across Oahu. In the first wave of attacks, the Japanese assigned numerous fighters and bombers to suppress airbases, with fighters igniting planes using their machine guns and cannon fire while bombers targeted them with high explosives.

The second wave also focused on airfield strikes. Wheeler Army Airfield, located in central Oahu, was the main fighter base in Hawaii. Nearly two-thirds of the 140 planes stationed there, primarily P-40 and P-36 fighter aircraft, were destroyed or unable to fly. A similar proportion of B-17, B-18, and A-20 bombers at Hickam Army Airfield—adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard—were also destroyed or damaged enough to remain grounded. Many personnel were killed at Hickam when the Japanese bombed their barracks. In addition, smaller Bellows Field in eastern Oahu suffered damage, with several P-40s destroyed, including two whose pilots bravely attempted to take off during the enemy attack.

Museum of Flight at Paulding: Wall remembering the Pearl Harbor attack and Kaneohe Bay.
Museum of Flight at Paulding: Wall remembering the Pearl Harbor attack and Kaneohe Bay.

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps air stations on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Ewa to the west of Pearl, and Kaneohe Bay near Bellows Field were heavily targeted during the raid. Ewa, which predominantly housed carrier-type bombers and fighters, saw its count drop from nearly fifty planes to less than twenty. Ford Island and Kaneohe, home to several squadrons of long-range PBY patrol seaplanes, faced massive assaults, losing about half of their planes at Ford Island and almost all at Kaneohe.

The Museum of Flight features an entire wall dedicated to the bombing of Kaneohe Bay, showcasing before-and-after pictures of a PBY Catalina (a flying boat) taken mere hours before the attack, alongside images depicting the extensive damage inflicted. Some recovered PBY Catalina aircraft components and artifacts salvaged from the aftermath are displayed on the wall. Even more impactful are the images of the ceremony, parade, and internment of those killed.  It was a horrible day with tremendous historical significance, just 83 years ago.   More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack, including civilians, and another 1,000 people were wounded.

As George Santayana’s famous works from 1905 declare, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

For those interested in more details, there is an excellent visual map archive at https://1941.mapping.jp/

References:

December 7, 2019 – WJK THD. https://wjkthd.com/2019/12/07/december-7-2019/

Pearl Harbor – October 29, 2009 – https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor

Attacks on Airfields and Aerial Combat – Naval History and Heritage Command – https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/wars-and-events/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor-raid/attacks-on-airfields-and-aerial-combat.html

Wiki – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Infamy_speech

Wiki – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Pearl_Harbor

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WWI soldiers with their helmets gathered around for a meeting or mail call

The 82nd Division in World War I: The Origins of the “All American” Division

WWI uniform of Private T.L. Wagner – donated to the MOF by grandson Tom Hames.

The 82nd Division, later known as the 82nd Airborne Division, has an incredible history that began during World War I. On August 5, 1917, the division was officially constituted into the National Army, part of the rapid expansion of U.S. military forces in response to America’s entry into the global conflict. A few weeks later, on August 25, 1917, the division was organized at Camp Gordon in Georgia, where it began to forge its identity as a unique and cohesive fighting force.

Naming the 82nd

Its diverse makeup set the 82nd Division apart from other military units. Unlike many divisions that drew primarily from local recruits, the 82nd welcomed conscripted soldiers from all 48 states in the Union (Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959). The citizens of Atlanta held a contest to give a nickname to the new division, and in April 1918, Major General Eben Swift, the commanding general, chose “All American.”. To this day, the division’s shoulder patch proudly bears the letters “AA” as a reminder of its unique origins and the unity of its members from all across the nation.

82nd Training and Deployment

In 1918, the 82nd Division completed its training in the United States and prepared for deployment to the Western Front in Europe, where the Allies were locked in grueling trench warfare against Germany. The division was soon sent overseas, landing in France and joining the American Expeditionary Forces under General John J. Pershing. Though new to the battlefield, the soldiers of the 82nd quickly adapted to the harsh conditions of trench warfare and the fast-evolving tactics of the Great War.

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive: A Defining Moment

One of the 82nd Division’s most significant engagements during World War I was the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a major Allied assault aimed at breaking through German defenses. This offensive, which began in September 1918, was the largest operation by American forces in the war and played a crucial role in hastening the end of the conflict.

The 82nd Division fought bravely in the Meuse-Argonne, displaying resilience and innovation under highly challenging conditions. The soldiers faced enemy fire and difficulties navigating through dense forests, muddy terrain, and heavily fortified German positions. Their efforts, alongside those of other American and Allied units, eventually led to the successful penetration of German lines. The division’s courage and effectiveness in battle earned it recognition and respect from its peers and commanders.

The Museum of Flight’s 82nd Division Uniform: A Piece of Living History

Private T.L. Wagner—The wraps on the lower legs are called a “puttee” or “puttie,” They were wrapped from ankle to knee for protection and support.

The legacy of the 82nd Division’s service in World War I lives on, not only in history books but also through preserved artifacts like the uniform worn by Private T.L. Wagner, a division member during the Great War. This uniform, now housed at the Museum of Flight located at the Paulding Airport in Dallas, Georgia, is a tangible connection to the courage and dedication of those early soldiers. Donated by Wagner’s grandson, Robert Pilcher, the uniform stands as a tribute to the men of the 82nd who fought under the harsh conditions of the Western Front. The well-worn fabric, patches and details remind museum visitors of the hardships faced and sacrifices made by Wagner and his fellow soldiers, preserving their legacy for future generations.

Legacy and Transformation into the 82nd Airborne Division

After the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, the 82nd Division returned to the United States and was eventually demobilized. However, the division’s legacy was far from over. When the United States again found itself at war in 1941, the 82nd Division was reactivated in March of 1942. This time, it was renamed the 82nd Airborne Division, becoming the Army’s first airborne division and marking a shift to an entirely new style of warfare.

The 82nd Airborne Division would achieve legendary status in World War II, participating in airborne operations across Europe, including the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge. Yet its foundation, legacy, and spirit can be traced back to those early days in Georgia and the battlefields of France, where it first earned the nickname “All American” and established itself as a unit committed to excellence and bravery.

Famous 82nd soldiers included Sergeant Alvin C. York (Sgt York), General James M. Gavin, Dave Bald Eagle (grandson of Chief White Bull), Senator Strom Thurmond (WWII), and Congressman Patrick Murphy (first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress).

Reflection on the 82nd’s Enduring Influence

The story of the 82nd Division in World War I is a tale of bravery and sacrifice and a reminder of the power of unity. Drawn from every corner of the United States, these soldiers represented the diversity and strength of the nation itself. Today, the “AA” patch symbolizes this unity, resilience, and commitment to defending freedom, a legacy that began over a century ago on the Western Front.

More Resources:

All American Legacy Podcast: Birth 82nd Airborne Division.

Bibliography

  1. Gavin, James M. On to Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander, 1943-1946. Penguin, 1978.
    • Although this book focuses primarily on World War II, General James Gavin provides historical context on the formation and early history of the 82nd Division, offering insights into its transformation into the 82nd Airborne Division.
  2. Lengel, Edward G. To Conquer Hell: The Meuse-Argonne, 1918 The Epic Battle That Ended the First World War. Henry Holt and Co., 2008.
    • This book details the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, where the 82nd Division played a significant role. It provides a comprehensive account of the challenges faced by American forces in World War I.
  3. McManus, John C.The Dead and Those About to Die: D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach. NAL Caliber, 2014.
    • While this work focuses on D-Day and World War II, it also provides valuable information on the formation of American divisions, including the 82nd, during World War I and their progression into airborne divisions.
  4. O’Brien, Bill. 82nd Airborne Division. Motorbooks International, 1987.
    • A focused history of the 82nd Division, including both World Wars. It traces the division’s evolution from its beginnings in World War I to its later airborne status, with significant coverage of World War I events.
  5. Stanton, Shelby L. World War II Order of Battle: U.S. Army. Stackpole Books, 1984.
    • This reference work includes details on the formation, structure, and lineage of U.S. Army divisions, including the 82nd. It also covers the historical background that explains the division’s evolution.
  6. US Army Center of Military History. “82nd Airborne Division History and Lineage.”
    • This source is a rich repository of the 82nd’s history. It is available through the official website of the U.S. Army Center of Military History and provides specific information on the division’s actions in World War I and World War II.
  7. American Battle Monuments Commission. “Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial.”
    • The American Battle Monuments Commission website includes detailed descriptions of battles and units involved in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, including the 82nd Division.
  8. Museum of Flight Collection.
    • The Museum of Flight houses the uniform worn by Private T.L. Wagner of the 82nd Division, donated by his grandson, Robert Pilcher.
  9. Pershing, John J.My Experiences in the World War. Frederick A. Stokes Co., 1931.
    • General Pershing’s firsthand account provides insight into the American Expeditionary Forces, including the 82nd Division’s role in World War I.
  10. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). “World War I: The American Soldier Experience.”
    • The NARA provides detailed records and archival material on the 82nd Division’s formation, deployment, and operations during World War I.

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    The 1944 Howard DGA-15 Aircraft: A Versatile Asset in WWII

    The Howard DGA-15, produced by the Howard Aircraft Corporation, is an iconic aircraft of its era, particularly during World War II. Initially developed as a civilian utility plane in the 1930s, the DGA-15 was adapted to meet wartime demands. Its reputation for reliability, versatility, and rugged performance made it a valuable asset during the war. Although designed for civilians, it became an essential support aircraft for the U.S. military.

    The DGA-15 was part of the larger Howard DGA series, designed by Ben O. Howard, a respected pilot and aeronautical engineer. The initials “DGA” stood for “Darn Good Airplane” (sometimes expressed a bit more colorfully), reflecting Howard’s confidence in the design. First introduced in 1939, the DGA-15 was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine, providing an impressive range of over 1,200 miles and a cruising speed of 170 mph.

    The aircraft featured a high-wing design, a robust airframe, and a spacious cabin, making it adaptable for various uses. Its solid construction and ease of handling made it popular among private pilots, and as World War II unfolded, the military saw its potential. Several DGA-15s were acquired and adapted for different roles, proving their worth in critical wartime functions.

    Though the DGA-15 was not designed for combat, it played a crucial support role in WWII. Depending on the specific mission and modifications, the U.S. Army used the aircraft under GH-1, GH-2, and GH-3 designations. The plane was primarily utilized for general-purpose duties such as reconnaissance, transportation, ambulance service, and communications.

    One of the Howard DGA-15’s most significant contributions was as a transport aircraft. With the capacity to carry up to five passengers or essential cargo loads, it was often used to transport personnel and supplies between airbases and remote locations. Its rugged construction allowed it to operate from unprepared airstrips, making it invaluable in regions lacking traditional infrastructure.

    In the Pacific Theater, where vast distances between islands and limited infrastructure posed unique challenges, the DGA-15 played an indispensable role. It ferried essential supplies, evacuated wounded soldiers, and carried military personnel to critical locations. While bombers and fighters garnered much of the spotlight, the DGA-15’s contributions behind the scenes were just as crucial to the overall Allied war effort.

    A lesser-known but equally important role for the DGA-15 during WWII was as an instrument trainer. The U.S. Navy used the aircraft under the designation NH-1 to train pilots in instrument flying—an essential skill for military aviators, especially during adverse weather or combat conditions. The NH-1 designation signified its adaptation for this role, where it helped produce a generation of proficient military pilots, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Allied air operations.

    Training pilots in instrument flight was a crucial component of the war effort. It enabled aviators to navigate without visual references, increasing their ability to complete missions under challenging conditions. The Howard DGA-15 was nicknamed “The Ensign Eliminator” because the modified airplane was unforgiving and challenging to fly.

    In addition to its transport and training roles, the Howard DGA-15 was also employed as an air ambulance. The military recognized the importance of quickly evacuating wounded soldiers from the front lines, and the DGA-15’s roomy cabin made it suitable for converting into a medical evacuation aircraft. It was adapted to carry stretchers and medical personnel, saving countless lives by transporting the injured to field hospitals.

    Beyond military service, the DGA-15 supported humanitarian efforts during and after the war, delivering food, medicine, and supplies to war-torn areas. This underscored the aircraft’s versatility and significance in combat and relief operations.

    After the war, many DGA-15s were returned to civilian life, where they continued to serve in various capacities, such as private planes, air taxis, and agricultural aircraft. The aircraft’s wartime service solidified its reputation as a highly reliable and durable machine, earning a place in aviation history.

    Though the Howard DGA-15 never reached the same level of fame as aircraft like the P-51 Mustang or the B-17 Flying Fortress, its contributions were substantial. As a logistics workhorse, an instrument trainer, and a medical evacuation aircraft, it played a vital—though often overlooked—role in the Allied war effort. Today, the few surviving DGA-15s are cherished by aviation enthusiasts, a reminder of the aircraft’s adaptability and significance.

    The Howard DGA-15’s role during WWII highlights how civilian aircraft can be adapted to meet the needs of a military conflict. Whether transporting troops, training pilots, or evacuating the wounded, the DGA-15 was a versatile and invaluable tool during the war. Its legacy continues at the Museum of Flight as we remember its service to our armed forces.

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