During World War II, a heavy storm blanketed the Bay Area on the night of March 14, 1945. A U.S. Navy R4D (C-47) transport carrying a crew of three and 20 passengers was attempting to land at Oakland Airport. After aborting the landing, the R4D became lost in the clouds and crashed within the boundaries of this park. Sixteen men survived while seven servicemen perished: L.T.(j.g.) William Karlick, pilot; Ens. Clois Holmes, Jr., co-pilot; Robert A. Trout, flight orderly; LCdr. Robert H. Allen; LCdr. John Brahtz; SIC Richard Johnston; and SIC Victor Salazar, Jr. San Carlans remember the sacrifice of these servicemen within their city limits.