Daniel T. Griffin, a 1928 graduate of Colorado Springs High School (now Palmer High School), lived a life marked by dedication—to his country, his family, and the ideals he held dear. At just 19 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1930, beginning a journey that would ultimately define him as a true American hero. By 1938, Griffin had earned his Patrol Bomber pilot’s license and was later stationed at Kaneohe Bay on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in March 1941—just months before the world changed forever.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Petty Officer 1st Class Griffin was standing watch when the first signs of an attack appeared. With selfless resolve, he was among the first to alert others, taking immediate action to defend his base. Racing into the water toward his PBY Catalina patrol plane, Griffin attempted to launch the aircraft to respond to the surprise assault. Tragically, his plane was struck by enemy fire shortly after takeoff and crashed into the bay. Though severely burned, Griffin survived the crash and still tried to swim to shore. His determination cost him his life—he was fatally
shot by an enemy aircraft before he could make it to safety. His body was not recovered for five days.
Griffin’s sacrifice was honored with a posthumous citation for his bravery and “utter disregard of personal danger.” From 1941 to 1947, his remains were interred in Hawaii before being brought home to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. In 1943, the Navy commissioned the USS Daniel T. Griffin, a destroyer escort, in his name—a tribute to his valor and service.
Yet for many years, his story remained largely unknown in his hometown. “From 1947 to 2015, nobody in Colorado Springs really knew anything about him,” said his grandson, Dave Griffin.
That changed when Bill Thomas, then an archivist for the Pikes Peak Library District, uncovered a trove of historical records related to Griffin. Thanks to Thomas’ efforts and the work of retired Navy Captain Greg Thomas (no relation), October 6—the date Griffin enlisted—was officially designated Daniel T. Griffin Day in Colorado Springs School District 11. Griffin is now honored in the district’s Hall of Honor at Doherty High School, where a two-wall mural pays tribute to service members from the region. And as of June 17, 2025, Griffin’s service and sacrifice is honored as a local WWII hero on the I-25 bridge overpass on North Academy Boulevard.
Daniel T. Griffin’s courage and unwavering commitment to his country—and his quiet love for his hometown and family—remind us that heroism often begins with a single act of selfless devotion. Today, his legacy stands tall as a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of Colorado Springs.
