Rain Provides Reflection during Pearl Harbor Survivor Memorial Service

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabrielle Joyner | 161201-N-WC566-061 PEARL HARBOR --(Dec. 01, 2016) Navy and Pearl Harbor Survivors Association members prepare to scatter the ashes of Pearl Harbor survivor Jack A. Stoeber during an ash-scattering ceremony at the USS Utah Memorial for Stoeber, serving aboard USS Whitney during the attacks as a chief carpenter's mate. USS Whitney was one of more than 100 ships present at Pearl Harbor during the attacks. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served during Dec. 7, 1941 and throughout the Pacific Theater. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence, and responsiveness in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabrielle Joyner/Released)  

HAWAII, UNITED STATES

12.01.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tracey Bannister 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 1, 2016) - Rain began to fall as the service honoring Pearl Harbor survivor Jack A. Stoeber commenced.

Sailors and friends gathered at the USS Utah Memorial for an ash scattering ceremony honoring Stoeber at Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The memorial service was a time of reflection as Stoeber’s ashes were scattered in the waters surrounding the USS Utah Memorial.

Bob Bracci, an honorary member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Vietnam War veteran, and friend to Stoeber, spoke about the history of Stoeber’s actions on that fateful day, December 7, 1941.

Stoeber served as a carpenter's mate and was stationed aboard the Dobbin-class destroyer tender USS Whitney (AD 4) during the attacks. He was supposed to be on leave to visit his uncle that day, but his plans changed and he stayed on the ship.

USS Whitney was in the harbor receiving routine maintenance and repairs. Once finished, Whitney would return to the fleet to provide supplies to destroyers at sea.

According to Bracci, as the bullets began to reign down on Pearl Harbor, Stoeber ran to retrieve his ammunition box.

“The weight of the box was almost as much as Stoeber himself,” said Bracci. “When he returned to his station, he manned the .50-caliber machine gun, shooting at incoming aircraft. “

Bracci spoke fondly of Stoeber, his brother-in-arms, his long-time friend.

“Jack was like a father to me. He couldn’t have been any closer, even if he had been a blood relative,” said Bracci. “They didn’t make them finer than Jack.”

Representing the family members who could not make it to the service, Bracci spoke on behalf of Stoeber’s widow, Florence, who said she was proud that the Navy could perform the service for Jack.

“He was honored to serve in the U.S. Navy during the war,” said Bracci. “He requested to have his ashes scattered in the waters he served in. This is the final tribute to a great man.”

Stoeber received a rifle salute before taps played in honor of his service contribution to his country.

As the service came to an end, so did the rain, marking a final farewell to a loved one, a friend a shipmate.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2016
• Date Posted: 12.01.2016 21:13
• Story ID: 216192
• Location: HAWAII, US