Pacific Historic Parks Remembers Five Filipino American Sailors Killed Aboard USS Arizona
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Filipino American History Month highlights their service and sacrifice ahead of Pearl Harbor's 85th commemoration
HONOLULU (Oct. 27, 2026) – As Filipino American History Month comes to a close, Pacific Historic Parks is recognizing the contributions of Filipino American servicemembers and veterans, including five U.S. Navy sailors who lost their lives aboard the USS Arizona during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
The five men were among the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed aboard the battleship nearly 85 years ago. Their service and sacrifice are part of the history preserved at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Five Filipino American Sailors Honored
The five Filipino American sailors who died aboard the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, were:
Epifanio Miranda Casilan, officer's steward third class, 13 years of service
Vicente De Castro, officer's steward third class, 13 years of service
Marciano Lomibao, officer's steward first class, 20 years of service
Hilery Paulmand, officer's steward second class, 11 years of service
Filomeno Santos, officer's cook second class, 13 years of service
“These five men left their homes in the Philippines and dedicated years of their lives to serving in the U.S. Navy,” said Aileen Utterdyke, President and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks. “As we approach the 85th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we honor their sacrifice and recognize the contributions of Filipino servicemen to our nation's history.”
The five men enlisted at a time when Filipino sailors faced restrictions on the positions they could hold in the U.S. Navy. They served as officers' stewards and cooks, performing duties that supported daily operations aboard Navy vessels. Despite the limitations of the era, they built careers in military service.
According to records provided to Pacific Historic Parks, each of the five received the American Defense Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal, as well as a posthumous Purple Heart.
Their names are commemorated at the USS Arizona Memorial and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, where the Tablets of the Missing honor service members who never returned home.
Observed each October, Filipino American History Month recognizes the history and contributions of Filipino Americans, including those who served in the U.S. military.
About Pacific Historic Parks
Pacific Historic Parks helps preserve Pearl Harbor’s history through education, interpretive programs, research, preservation and restoration. Every year on the anniversary of December 7th, 1941, Pacific Historic Parks works closely with the National Park Service and U.S. Navy to honor the legacy of all WWII veterans, and commemorate the sacrifices made by our nation’s Greatest Generation during one of the most pivotal events in American history. Learn more about the 85th Pearl Harbor Commemoration and upcoming events at www.pearlharborevents.com.