On December 1, 1941, I was promoted to Seaman First Class. The first advancement from Apprentice Seaman to Seaman Second Class had been automatic. This time though, I had to put in a correspondence course, pass that, demonstrate an ability to handle the job, be recommended for advancement and then pass a rather lengthy written exam. I was quite pleased with myself, and my salary went up from $36 to $54 per month. All was well and the Navy was a wonderful place for a 20-year old boy from the lower Columbia River country.

Much has been written over the years about the attack from learned people and armchair strategists. I can only tell you my experience as one young seaman.

At Pearl Harbor, my ship, the U.S.S. Nevada, was the only battleship that was able to get underway. We had opened fire on the enemy and were proceeding down the ship channel. We then received a great deal of attention from the enemy. Sinking us in the channel would have blocked any going in and out of Pearl Harbor for many months. My battle station at this time was on a 5-inch, 25 caliber anti-aircraft gun. Strafers, as well as bomb hits, took a terrible toll on my shipmates.

Click on the image for larger view. USS NEVADA Long Beach, Calif.

In order to avoid sinking in the Channel, the ship, which by now was heavily damaged, was deliberately run aground. We were out of ammunition and helpless. We could only watch the battle as spectators and tend to our wounded.

A lieutenant commander spotted me knowing that I was a crewman in the small boats. He ordered me to get a crew together and assist the Ford Island Air Station in any way that I could. It didn't occur to him that my experience was all in 26-foot motorwhale boats. He pointed to a 40-foot motor launch and said, "Take that one." I did not argue and ran the larger boat like a veteran. For a period of time I transported wounded men from the air station. Later, I provided transportation of men and material to various units as needed. In this capacity, my crew and I had the opportunity to see the overall damage that had been inflicted. It was awesome!

Much has been made of the fact that it was a sneak attack. As I look back, I doubt if the outcome would have been much different even if we had been warned in advance. My ship was well-armed, well-trained and well supplied to fight in World War I, not a modern war. Our anti-aircraft guns were inadequate for the job and we mere totally lacking in heavy machine guns needed for close-in work at 1,500 yards or less.

The motto of the Pearl Harbor Survivors is "Remember Pearl Harbor-Keep America Alert." To this I would add, "And Up-To-Date." Don't send our young men and women to fight any future wars with the last war's weapons. Certificate of Commendation: Click on the image to read.