Pearl Harbor Survivors: An Oral History Of 24 Servicemen

When the sun rose over Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, it seemed like any other beautiful day in paradise. Little did anyone know that the events that would unfold in the next few hours would go down in history as one of the most devastating attacks on American soil.

On that fateful day, the lives of thousands of servicemen stationed at Pearl Harbor were forever changed. In this article, we take a deep dive into the personal experiences and stories of 24 Pearl Harbor survivors. Their accounts provide a unique and intimate perspective on the attack and its aftermath.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

At 7:48 am, the first wave of Japanese aircraft descended upon the unsuspecting naval base. Bombs rained down, and torpedo planes targeted battleships lined up at Battleship Row. Within minutes, chaos broke out as explosions filled the air, ships caught fire, and the waters around Pearl Harbor turned into a sea of devastation.

Pearl Harbor Survivors: An Oral History of 24 Servicemen

by Harry Spiller(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29813 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

FREE

Among those caught in the midst of this nightmare were the 24 servicemen whose memories we will explore in this oral history project. They were young men, some barely out of their teens, thrust into a moment of profound terror that would shape the rest of their lives.

Survivor Stories

Each survivor we interviewed had a unique story to tell. From those serving on the ill-fated USS Arizona, which suffered a direct hit, to pilots assigned to airfields under attack, their accounts shed light on different aspects of the tragedy.

John Thompson, a sailor on the USS Oklahoma, recalled the terrifying moments when torpedoes hit his ship. "The banging and grinding sounds were deafening," he said. "I thought the end was near." Thompson managed to escape the sinking ship but witnessed the loss of many of his fellow crewmates.

For Jim Anderson, a fighter pilot stationed at Hickam Field, the attack brought a different kind of horror. "We had just finished breakfast when bombs exploded all around us," he said. "Our planes were destroyed, and we were forced to defend ourselves on the ground." Anderson vividly remembers the chaos and devastation that followed.

While the survivors' stories differ in detail, a shared sense of resilience and camaraderie permeates every one of them. They were thrust into an incomprehensible situation but managed to find the strength to persevere and fight back.

Life After Pearl Harbor

As the smoke cleared and the aftermath of the attack became apparent, these servicemen faced another daunting challenge: rebuilding their lives in the wake of tragedy.

Henry Lewis, a radar operator on Ford Island, had lost many friends in the attack. "I vowed to carry their memory with me throughout my life," he said. Lewis went on to serve with distinction during the war and became an advocate for preserving the memory of Pearl Harbor.

Many survivors struggled with survivor's guilt and the emotional scars left by the attack. Yet, they persevered and built meaningful lives in the decades that followed. Their experiences during the attack shaped their perspectives on war, peace, and the values they held dear.

The Legacy of Pearl Harbor Survivors

The stories shared by these 24 servicemen are more than accounts of a significant historical event. They carry the weight of sacrifice and resilience that define the Greatest Generation.

Today, fewer and fewer Pearl Harbor survivors remain, and their stories must be preserved and passed on to future generations. They serve as a reminder of the courage and strength displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity.

As we honor their memories and reflect on the events of that fateful day, let us never forget the sacrifices made by those who were there on December 7, 1941. Their oral histories keep the flame of remembrance alive, ensuring that the legacy of Pearl Harbor lives on.

Pearl Harbor Survivors: An Oral History of 24 Servicemen

by Harry Spiller(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29813 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

FREE

On December 7, 1941, Japan waged a surprise attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. It was a major victory for the Japanese Navy, which in less than two hours destroyed 188 American planes, damaged another 159, and sunk or seriously damaged 18 U.S. warships. The battleships Arizona and Oklahoma were sunk. The battleships California, West Virginia and Tennessee were badly damaged and would not rejoin the United States fleet for months. Over 2,400 American military personnel were killed and 1,178 were wounded. The Japanese lost 29 planes and pilots, five midget submarines and one large sub with their crews.
Here are 24 personal accounts of servicemen who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. These accounts cover in detail the location of each man and his experience during and after the actual attack. Also included is general information about Pearl Harbor.