Joseph Poindexter

Joseph Poindexter Historical Figure Nationality: United States Year of Birth: 1869 Year of Death: 1951 Cause of Death: Natural causes Occupation: Lawyer, Judge, Politician Spouse: Margaret Conger Children: Two Political Party: Democratic Party Political Office(s): Governor of Hawaii Territory Fictional Appearances: Days of Infamy POD: March, 1941; Relevant POD: December 7, 1941 Appearance(s): Days of Infamy Type of Appearance: Direct

Joseph Boyd Poindexter (April 14, 1869 – December 3, 1951) was the eighth U.S. Territorial Governor of Hawaii, serving from 1934 to 1942. In the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Poindexter placed Hawaii under martial law, and allowed a military government to take over.

Before serving as territorial governor, Poindexter had practiced law and served as a district court judge. He returned to private practice in 1943.

Joseph Poindexter in Days of Infamy

In the immediate aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the landing of Japanese troops on Oahu the following day, Joseph Poindexter placed the territory under martial law and allowed the U.S. military to form a government. This was short-lived, as the American forces, surprised and overwhelmed, formally surrendered in February 1942.

Poindexter was present at the ceremonial surrender, held at Iolani Palace, where he, General Walter Short, and Admiral Husband Kimmel handed control to the Japanese government. He spoke up for the civilian population of the islands, naively reminding General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the need for food and the hope that the Empire of Japan would help.

References

Political offices (OTL)
Preceded by Lawrence M. Judd	Territorial Governor of Hawaii 1934 - 1942	Succeeded by Ingram M. Stainback
Political offices (Fictional Work)
Preceded by Lawrence M. Judd	U.S. Territorial Governor of Hawaii (Days of Infamy) 1934 - 1942	Succeeded by Office abolished; Tomoyuki Yamashita as Japanese Military Governor; Stanley Owana Laanui as King