The Press: Editor for the Islands

On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, a Sunday, the only working newsman at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin was Editor Riley H. Allen. Allen was at his desk at 6, as usual, following a habit of years. Just one hour and 55 minutes later, as the first wave of Japanese bombers swept over Pearl Harbor, Allen had the biggest exclusive of his life. Over at the rival Advertiser, then the only Sunday paper in town, the presses were out of action with a mechanical breakdown. Star-Bulletin Editor Allen, routing an emergency staff from bed, weaving...

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