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The Military History of Diamond Head Crater
Oahu, Hawaii
Diamond Head Crater was an important military outpost
from the time it was purchased by the United States
Government in 1904 through the end of World War II.
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The USS Missouri Battleship sailing past Diamond Head Crater
on its way from Pearl Harbor to New York City on September 29, 1945
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Photo Credit: United States Naval Historical Center
Military Use of Diamond Head Began in 1904
The Federal government purchased Diamond Head Crater
for military use in 1904.
Fortification of the crater began in 1908 with the construction
of gun emplacements and an entry tunnel through the
north wall of the crater from Fort Ruger. That tunnel
was known as the Kapahulu Tunnel.
Batteries on Diamond Head Crater
Five batteries were built on Diamond Head Crater
to house military weapons and artillary:
1910 - Harlow (northern exterior)
1913 - Dodge (tunnels through east crater wall)
1913 - Hulings (tunnels through crater wall)
1916 - Birkhimer (mostly below ground inside the crater)
1943 - Battery 407 (tunnels through south crater wall)
Fire Control Station
The Diamond Head Fire Control Station was built at the
top of Diamond Head Crater between 1908 and 1910.
It contained plotting rooms to direct
artillary fire from several of the batteries.
From that station observers could triangulate
targets and aim the mortar fire from Batteries
Randolph and Dudley at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki and
battery Harlow at Fort Ruger on the outer slopes
of the crater. The Fire control state had four
levels and the exterior was camouflaged with rubble
embedded in concrete. The four levels and the
summit were accessed by ladders and a spiral
staircase.
Long Range Guns
Additional defense was provided by long range guns
installed on the outer slopes of the crater rim around
1915.
Fort Ruger Historic Park
The military features of Diamond Head Crater are part of Fort
Ruger Historic Park.
It is interesting to note that no artillery was ever fired from
Diamond Head Crater during a war. Today Diamond Head Crater is
a Hawaii state monument and a United States National Natural Landmark.
See also:
Diamond Head State Monument
The Diamond Head End of Waikiki
About South Oahu
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