Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amber Weingart | 161206-N-MV308-240 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 6, 2016) Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Kruse,...... read more read more
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“It’s very moving to people in my generation learning about Sailors who gave the ultimate sacrifice and knowing that I’m now apart of that naval tradition,” said Seaman Robert Kimmel, assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii, after shaking hands, taking pictures, and learning a little about what life was like through the eyes of what some refer to as, “The Greatest Generation.”
Donald Stratton, Louis Conter, Ken Potts, and Laruen Bruner, all Sailors stationed aboard the USS Arizona (BB 39) during the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, held a meet and greet and media availability at the World War II Valor in the Pacific Visitor Center in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the attack of Pearl Harbor.
The line stretched through the lanai, full of curious and enthusiastic guests. Petty Officer 1st Class Melisa Berton, assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii, described the experience of meeting the survivors as a true honor, especially on the eve of the 75th anniversary.
“Its an overwhelming feeling to meet people who are such a big part of Naval history,” said Berton.
"I'm happy I recieved this opportunity to learn what the Navy was like when they served. The honor, courage and commitment they displayed that day is truly inspiring," said Berton. "I'm honored I get to share the same Naval tradition. Meeting them inspires me to keep up the same Navy tradition and keep up the training of current and future Sailors.”
The gentleman each took turns recounting the moments that took place leading up, during, and after, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
“It opens my eyes to World War II and Vietnam veterans. I have a massive respect for them. Hearing their stories gives me pride for the uniform I wear going into work and whatever I can do to help the Navy and the country," said Kimmel.
The battleship USS Arizona was the most heavily damaged of all the vessels during the attack, suffering three near-misses and four direct-hits from 800-kg bombs dropped by high-flying Japanese planes. The last bomb penetrated the deck to the right of turret two, and detonated within a 14-inch powder magazine. The resulting explosion broke the ship in two.
“I don’t know how I made it, but I’m here,” said Stratton. “I was one of the lucky ones.”
Conter, a quartermaster, said he was on the quarterdeck when the Arizona was attacked. He described securing the deck and using a hose to spray down the quarterdeck for around 40 minutes after the ship caught fire, before he heard the call to abandon ship.
“People call us hero’s, were not the hero’s, the hero’s are still buried under there,” said Conter. “They’re the ones that should be called the hero’s. I’ve always told people that. The real hero’s are the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice."
After a morning filled with stories of the past and photographs, service members and families left expressing their gratitude for the sacrifices these gentleman and their shipmates made not only for the Navy, but also for the country.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 12.07.2016 01:25 |
| Story ID: | 216661 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 172 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, USS Arizona Survivors Recount Memories of Dec. 7, by PO1 Phillip Pavlovich, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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