US Dept of Navy: Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December 1941

Department of the Navy - Naval Historical Center ^ | December 7, 2005

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Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh,
Commanding Officer, USS Arizona, USN

Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh, USN, (1888-1941)

Franklin Van Valkenburgh was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 5 April 1888. Appointed a Midshipman in 1905, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1909.

His initial service was in battleships, punctuated by a tour with the Asiatic Squadron in 1911-14. He received postgraduate education in the field of steam engineering and was Engineering Officer of the battleship Rhode Island during the First World War.

Van Valkenburgh was twice an instructor at the Naval Academy during the late 'Teens and in the 'Twenties, and also served in the battleships Minnesota and Maryland during that time.

Following promotion to the rank of Commander, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, in Washington, D.C., during 1928-31.

In the early 1930s, Commander Van Valkenburgh commanded the destroyer Talbot and Destroyer Squadron Five. He was a student at the Naval War College and inspector of naval material at the New York Navy Yard before again serving at sea as Commanding Officer of the destroyer tender Melville in 1936-38.

Captain Van Valkenburg then spent a tour ashore with the Third Naval District and, in February 1941 became Commanding Officer of the battleship Arizona.

He was killed in action when his ship exploded and sank during the 7 December 1941 Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor.

For his "conspicuous devotion to duty and extraordinary courage" at that time, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The destroyer USS Van Valkenburgh (DD-656), 1944-1967, was named in honor of Captain Van Valkenburgh.

Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh, USN




Who was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for devotion to duty and courage while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Arizona (BB-39) during the 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor.

Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 272.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Naval Historical Center

[TonyInOhio]

This is warning as received by the USS Wasp, which was fortunately at sea on that fateful morning.

[bd476]

Wow, "This is not a drill."

Imagine the many thoughts running through the mind of the Communications Seaman who typed that Radio report/warning.

Thank you for posting that Tony.

[bd476]

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor

Photograph taken during World War II, showing the Medal of Honor with its anchor suspension device clipped to the outside of the ribbon.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

The Medal of Honor -- The Navy Medal of Honor,
1942 to the Present

The Medal of Honor is the highest-ranking United States' combat award, with different patterns used by the Navy, the Army and the Air Force. Authorized in December 1861 as an award for enlisted men, the Navy Medal of Honor originally served to "further promote the efficiency of the Navy".

Its award criteria subsequently included "deeds of gallantry and heroism in times of War and of Peace" on the part of officers and enlisted personnel, but in 1942 were restricted to acts of extraordinary heroism in armed combat.

The design of the medal and its associated ribbon have also varied, with the pattern presently used having been adopted in 1942.



U.S. Navy Medal of Honor

Photograph taken during the 1940s or early 1950s, showing the Medal of Honor, its ribbons and rosette.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

The Medal of Honor -- The Navy Medal of Honor, 1942 to the Present

[cynicom]

"unanticipated"

General Billy Mitchell had publicly predicted the strike at Pearl Harbor way back in 1926. He even gave the day of the week and the time. Admittedly he did err by thirty minutes as to the correct time.

[texianyankee]

bttt

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Lieutenant Commander Samuel G. Fuqua,
USS Arizona, USN

Rear Admiral Samuel G. Fuqua, USN, (1899-1987)

Samuel Glenn Fuqua was born in Laddonia, Missouri, on 15 October 1899. After a year at the University of Missouri and World War I service in the Army, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1919.

Following graduation and commissioning in June 1923, he served in the battleship Arizona, destroyer McDonough and battleship Mississippi before receiving shore duty at San Francisco, California, in 1930-32.

Lieutenant Fuqua served in other ships and shore stations during the mid-1930s, and was Commanding Officer of the minesweeper Bittern in the Asiatic Fleet in 1937-39.

After service at the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1939-41, Lieutenant Commander Fuqua returned to USS Arizona as the ship's Damage Control Officer and First Lieutenant, and was on board her during Japan's 7 December 1941 raid on Pearl Harbor.

Though knocked unconscious by a bomb that hit the ship's stern early in the attack, he subsequently directed fire fighting and rescue efforts.

After the ship's forward magazines exploded, he was her senior surviving officer and was responsible for saving her remaining crewmen. For his distinguished conduct and heroism at that time, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

During most of 1942, Fuqua was an officer of the cruiser Tuscaloosa. In 1943-44, he was assigned to duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and attended the Naval War College.

Captain Fuqua was Operations Officer for Commander Seventh Fleet in January-August 1945, helping to plan and execute several amphibious operations in the Philippines and Borneo area.

Following the War, he served in other staff positions, and in 1949-50 commanded the destroyer tender Dixie. After service as Chief of Staff of the Eighth Naval District, he retired from active duty in July 1953, receiving at that time the rank of Rear Admiral on the basis of his combat awards.

Rear Admiral Samuel G. Fuqua died at Decatur, Georgia, on 27 January 1987.

Commander Samuel Glenn Fuqua, USN

Who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism and distinguished conduct in action while serving on board USS Arizona (BB-39) during the 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor.

He was a Lieutenant Commander at that time.

Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 189.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Medal of Honor citation of Captain Samuel Glenn Fuqua

(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 189):

"For distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism, and utter disregard of his own safety, above and beyond the call of duty during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941.

Upon the commencement of the attack, Lieutenant Commander Fuqua rushed to the quarterdeck of the U.S.S. Arizona to which he was attached where he was stunned and knocked down by the explosion of a large bomb which hit the quarterdeck, penetrated several decks, and started a severe fire.

Upon regaining consciousness, he began to direct the fighting of the fire and the rescue of wounded and injured personnel. Almost immediately there was a tremendous explosion forward, which made the ship appear to rise out of the water, shudder and settle down by the bow rapidly.

The whole forward part of the ship was enveloped in flames which were spreading rapidly, and wounded and burned men were pouring out of the ship to the quarterdeck.

Despite these conditions, his harrowing experience, and severe enemy bombing and strafing, at the time, Lieutenant Commander Fuqua continued to direct the fighting of fires in order to check them while the wounded and burned could be taken from the ship, and supervised the rescue of these men in such an amazingly calm and cool manner and with such excellent judgement, that it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly resulted in the saving of many lives.

After realizing that the ship could not be saved and that he was the senior surviving officer aboard, he directed that it be abandoned, but continued to remain on the quarterdeck and directed abandoning ship and rescue of personnel until satisfied that all personnel that could be had been saved, after which he left the ship with the (last) boatload.

The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Fuqua was not only in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service but characterizes him as an outstanding leader of men."

[BJClinton]

What did Roosevelt know and when did he know it?

[Joe Brower]

Good post, and many thanks for the archives link. I just printed some text and several pictures that I will be using tonight to educate my Cub Scout pack on this important part of American history.

Since the schools seek to give our kids a collective case of national amnesia regarding stories like this, I just fill in the gaps...

Joe Brower, USN HM2, 5MAB, '79-'82

[Knitting A Conundrum]

That is such a good site.

One of my family's friends was on the Arizona that day. He was one of the few, but it left a mark on him forever.

I put a link to a Pearl Harbor memorial site on my vanity rememberance thread for TJ and his compatriots.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1535616/posts

[Conservomax]

Dorrie Miller

Killed in action about 2 years later

[bd476]

Great, glad you enjoyed reading it and thanks Joe.

If you want your Cub Scout troop to read about real heroes, don't miss the stories of some of the survivors USS Arizona Reports by Survivors of Pearl Harbor Attack, especially Lt. Cdr. Fuqua of the USS Arizona.

Lt. Commander Fuqua was knocked unconscious by an initial bomb blast, then when he came to, fought fires, loaded 70 wounded men into boats, opened up the Captain's hatch and had the respective cabins of Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh and Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd searched.

The cabins had waist deep water in them. It was determined that the Captain and Rear Admiral had made their way to the bridge.

Lt. Commander Fuqua, as the Senior surviving officer stayed on board until his last surviving man had left safely.

His calm demeanor probably saved as many lives as his heroic actions.

[RasterMaster]

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Cook Third Class Doris Miller, USN

Cook Third Class Doris Miller, USN, (1919-1943)

Doris ("Dorie") Miller was born in Waco, Texas, on 12 October 1919. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1939 as a Mess Attendant Third Class. On 7 December 1941, while serving aboard USS West Virginia (BB-48), he distinguished himself by courageous conduct and devotion to duty during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on this occasion.

Doris Miller served aboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35) from December 1941 to May 1943. He was then assigned to the escort carrier Liscome Bay (CVE-56). Cook Third Class Miller was lost with that ship when she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on 24 November 1943, during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands.



Ship's Cook Third Class Doris Miller, USN

Doris Miller, known as "Dorie" to shipmates and friends, was born in Waco, Texas, on 12 October 1919, to Henrietta and Conery Miller. He had three brothers, one of which served in the Army during World War II.

While attending Moore High School in Waco, he was a fullback on the football team. He worked on his father's farm before enlisting in the U.S Navy as Mess Attendant, Third Class, at Dallas, Texas, on 16 September 1939, to travel, and earn money for his family.

He later was commended by the Secretary of the Navy, was advanced to Mess Attendant, Second Class and First Class, and subsequently was promoted to Ship's Cook, Third Class.

Following training at the Naval Training Station, Norfolk, Virginia, Miller was assigned to the ammunition ship USS Pyro (AE-1) where he served as a Mess Attendant, and on 2 January 1940 was transferred to USS West Virginia (BB-48), where he became the ship's heavyweight boxing champion.

In July of that year he had temporary duty aboard USS Nevada (BB-36) at Secondary Battery Gunnery School. He returned to West Virginia and on 3 August, and was serving in that battleship when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Miller had arisen at 6 a.m., and was collecting laundry when the alarm for general quarters sounded.

He headed for his battle station, the antiaircraft battery magazine amidship, only to discover that torpedo damage had wrecked it, so he went on deck. Because of his physical prowess, he was assigned to carry wounded fellow Sailors to places of greater safety. Then an officer ordered him to the bridge to aid the mortally wounded Captain of the ship.

He subsequently manned a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon ship.

Miller described firing the machine gun during the battle, a weapon which he had not been trained to operate:

"It wasn't hard. I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine.

I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about fifteen minutes. I think I got one of those Jap planes. They were diving pretty close to us."

During the attack, Japanese aircraft dropped two armored piercing bombs through the deck of the battleship and launched five 18-inch aircraft torpedoes into her port side.

Heavily damaged by the ensuing explosions, and suffering from severe flooding below decks, the crew abandoned ship while West Virginia slowly settled to the harbor bottom.

Of the 1,541 men on West Virginia during the attack, 130 were killed and 52 wounded. Subsequently refloated, repaired, and modernized, the battleship served in the Pacific theater through to the end of the war in August 1945.

Miller was commended by the Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox on 1 April 1942, and on 27 May 1942 he received the Navy Cross, which Fleet Admiral (then Admiral) Chester W. Nimitz, the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet personally presented to Miller on board aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) for his extraordinary courage in battle.

Speaking of Miller, Nimitz remarked:

This marks the first time in this conflict that such high tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a member of his race and I'm sure that the future will see others similarly honored for brave acts.

On 13 December 1941, Miller reported to USS Indianapolis (CA-35), and subsequently returned to the west coast of the United States in November 1942.

Assigned to the newly constructed USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) in the spring of 1943, Miller was on board that escort carrier during Operation Galvanic, the seizure of Makin and Tarawa Atolls in the Gilbert Islands.

Liscome Bay's aircraft supported operations ashore between 20-23 November 1943. At 5:10 a.m. on 24 November, while cruising near Butaritari Island, a single torpedo from Japanese submarine I-175 struck the escort carrier near the stern. The aircraft bomb magazine detonated a few moments later, sinking the warship within minutes.

Listed as missing following the loss of that escort carrier, Miller was officially presumed dead 25 November 1944, a year and a day after the loss of Liscome Bay. Only 272 Sailors survived the sinking of Liscome Bay, while 646 died.

In addition to the Navy Cross, Miller was entitled to the Purple Heart Medal; the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal.

Commissioned on 30 June 1973, USS Miller (FF-1091), a Knox-class frigate, was named in honor of Doris Miller.

On 11 October 1991, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority dedicated a bronze commemorative plaque of Miller at the Miller Family Park located on the U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor.

USS Miller (DE-1091) was named in honor of Cook Third Class Doris Miller.

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN (1919-1943)

Just after being presented with the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942.

The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN

Receives the Navy Cross from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, at an awards ceremony held on the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942.

The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Ship's Cook Third Class Doris Miller's
Navy Cross Citation

Ship's Cook Third Class Doris Miller's Navy Cross Citation

NAVY CROSS MEDAL TO
MESS ATTENDANT SECOND CLASS DORIS MILLER
UNITED STATES NAVY

for services as set forth in the following:

CITATION: "For distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941.

While at the side of his Captain on the bridge, Miller, despite enemy strafing and bombing and in the face of a serious fire, assisted in moving his Captain, who had been mortally wounded, to a place of greater safety, and later manned and operated a machine gun directed at enemy Japanese attacking aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge."

Ship's Cook Third Class Doris Miller, USN

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There were many acts of bravery on the U.S.S. West Virginia. Men stayed on post while the ship took on water, was burning, and while the Japanese were dropping bombs and firing upon the ship.

The USS West Virginia's Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion, USN was lying wounded on the bridge. A fragment of a bomb had cut open his abdomen leaving some of his intestines falling out of his abdominal cavity.

Despite being gravely wounded, the Captain continued expressing concern for his men, asked about the fires on board, asked whether the pumps were running and he was concerned about the oil spreading out onto and across the surface of water.

Captain Bennion kept insisting his men leave him alone on the bridge to go below.

Several men did attempt to rescue the Captain away from the fire, smoke and flooding.

Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion, USN

Who was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for devotion to duty and courage during the Pearl Harbor attack, 7 December 1941, while serving as Commanding Officer of USS West Virginia (BB-48).

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Here's an Action report from Lieutenant (JG) White.

USS West Virginia's Action Report, 11 December 1941

U.S.S. West Virginia

Hawaiian Area,
December 11, 1941.

From: Lieutenant (jg) F.H. White, D-V(G), U.S.N.R.
To: The Navy Department.
SUBJECT: Statement of Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.

At 0756, approximately, I was in the wardroom when the Fire and Rescue party was called away by bugle. I ran to the quarter deck. The first thing I saw, on reaching topside was a Japanese plane over a ship, ahead of the West Virginia, from which a column of water and smoke was rising.

As I ran forward, I stopped at the Deck office and sounded the general alarm just as the first torpedo struck the ship. In route my battle station in secondary forward I noticed no one in charge of the AA battery on the boat deck where the crews were manning the guns, so I remained there and took charge of the battery, breaking out the ready service ammunition, forming an ammunition train and getting the starboard guns firing, local control.

The ship had received three or four torpedo hits which threw oil and water all over the decks, which combined with the list to -- approximately 25° -- made footing very precarious. Due to the list of the ship, the port gun crews were brought to starboard as their guns would not elevate sufficiently.

The air to the guns had gone out, which necessitated depression for hand loading. While the guns were in action, several bombs dropped on or near the ship, but the discipline on the guns was excellent. When the ammunition in the ready service boxes was expended, I went below to see if more ammunition could be brought up.

In passing through Times Square I picked up four hands from the secondary battery who accompanied me, going down the hatch from Times Square to A-605 then to A-511.

In A-511 water was up to the airports on the port side and extended to the centerline one battle port was not dogged down which one hand of my detail took care of. The starboard armored hatch from A-511 to A-420 was open, but A-420 was flooded to within a few inches of this hatch.

A great many injured men were lying on deck or in the water in A-511, whom I ordered my detail to evacuate to Times Square. I returned to Times Square where Ens. T.J.F. Ford was in charge of secondary battery which was not at the moment engaged and ordered secondary battery personnel to evacuate all injured from second and main decks to Times Square.

From there I returned to the AA battery where I reported to Lieutenant Commander D.C. Johnson that ammunition could not be brought up and informed him of the situation below deck.

Lieutenant Commander J.H. Harper saw me and told me to go to the bridge and bring down the Captain who was wounded. Lieutenant C.V. Ricketts, Ens. V. Delano, C.S.M. Siewert, D. Miller, M.Att.2c. and several signalmen were on the signal and flag bridges, in the immediate vicinity of the starboard admiral's walk where the Captain was lying.

The Captain's abdomen was cut apparently by a fragment of bomb, about three by four inches, with part of his intestines protruding. The Captain deserves the highest praise, for although he was in great pain, his only concern was for the ship and crew.

The Captain did not want to be moved, but he was carefully carried to shelter abaft the conning tower where Leak, C.Ph.M. administered first aid.

Under direction of Lt. Ricketts, material to construct a stretcher on which to lower the Captain was procured, while D. Miller, Matt.2c. and I manned #1 and #2 machine gun forward of the conning tower.

A serious oil fire from the galley spread to the mast structure, with flame and thick black smoke preventing our lowering the Captain forward of the conning tower although an unsuccessful attempt was made. The smoke and flames prevented us from seeing more than a foot or two, and the heat was intense. I helped place the Captain on top of the search light forward of the conning tower and tried to untie the lashing which secured him to the improvised stretcher, but was unable to do so, I then went aft, groping my way to the other side of the signal bridge, bringing the enlisted men with me to look for something to cut the lashing.

Lt. Ricketts was by the starboard signal bags and I reported to him and he went forward to take a look followed by Miller and me. The Captain's stretcher had slid aft, with the captain's head down and the lashing loosened.

The four of us carried him aft and up to the Navigation Bridge where we laid him on deck under shelter of the port AA. director and out of the flame. The life jackets stowage and signal bags were burning by this time and Lt. Ricketts, Seiwert and I threw burning flags over the side.

A fire hose was sent up by heaving line which I used to try to fight fire but the pressure was insufficient. By this time the bridge was burning to starboard, and the signal bridge all over.

Ens. Graham went up the starboard boat crane and sent over a line which we secured to the rail on the bridge and used to cross to the carne and thence to the boat deck. From then until relieved fought fire.

Lt. C.V. Ricketts deserves the highest commendation for his exemplary inspiration and leadership. Had he not counter flooded, it is almost certain the West Virginia would have capsized as did the Oklahoma. His presence of mind, cool judgement and complete disregard of personal safety are an inspiration to all hands.

(signed)
F.H. WHITE,
Lieutenant (jg), U.S.N.R.


U.S.S. West Virginia

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Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion, USN

Medal of Honor citation of Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 156):

"For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet at Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941.

As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Virginia, after being mortally wounded, Captain Bennion evidenced apparent concern only in fighting and saving his ship, and strongly protested against being carried from the bridge."

[M. Espinola]

Thanks for posting this thread.

[bd476]

M. Espinola wrote: "Thanks for posting this thread."

Believe me, it has been an honor for me to be able to share the stories of these heroes.

[M. Espinola]

Your father and mine both served with honour in the Pacific.

[RetiredArmy]

What did FDR know and WHEN did HE KNOW IT?