Having recently arrived on Eielson Air Force Base, I was curious about the story behind Hursey Gate. I drive in and out of this gate every morning, but I knew only scant details about its namesake. I wanted to know more.
After speaking to the Airmen who were there 54 years ago, as well as researching decades-old newspaper accounts, what follows is a faithful retelling of the events that transpired on that tragic night.