Stories

This image captures a dramatic moment during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In the foreground, military personnel can be seen moving quickly around aircraft and naval equipment, highlighting the chaos and urgency of the situation.

 

Remembering Pearl Harbor: Voices from December 7, 1941

Historical Prelude: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Infamy Speech "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a turning point in history that forever changed the lives of those who were present. Both servicemembers and civilians were caught in the chaos and destruction, yet many rose to acts of heroism that would define their legacy. The stories shared here recount the experiences of those who lived through that fateful day, providing a glimpse into their courage and resilience. From the sailors on the USS Arizona and USS Utah to civilians on Oahu, their words bring history to life, preserving the memory of those who faced the unimaginable.

Servicemember Stories

• Joe George: Heroically saved six USS Arizona sailors by throwing them a lifeline from the USS Vestal during the attack.
• Everest Capra: "Most of us had been expecting this, but did not have the actual date."
• Cecil W. Camp: Describes being in the USS Utah’s port engine room when the first torpedo struck.
• Gino Gasparelli: Stationed at Wheeler Field, he recalls the base being on high alert until the eve of the attack.
• Sterling Cale: A pharmacist's mate who witnessed the onset of the attack just after finishing his night shift.
• Joe Morgan: Took shelter in a hangar on Ford Island during the attack.
• Robert Kinzler: Watched from Schofield Barracks, a few miles away from the chaos at the harbor.

Americans of Japanese Ancestry in WWII

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About 2,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry were on active duty in Hawaii when the attack occurred. Hundreds were University of Hawaii ROTC cadets who joined the Hawaii Territorial Guard that day.

Civilian Stories

• Pat Thompson: Attended a jitterbug contest at Bloch Arena the night before the attack.
• Jimmy Lee: An 11-year-old who lived near Battleship Row, his normal Sunday morning was shattered by the attack.

Oral History Interviews

Explore our collection of audio and video interviews with survivors who provide firsthand accounts of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Publications and Historical Documents

• US Navy Salvage War Diaries: Documentation of salvage operations on ships damaged during the attack, ongoing deciphering of acronyms.
• At 'Em Arizona Newsletters: The USS Arizona's newsletter archive from 1921 to 1941.
• Pearl Harbor Survivor Grams: Newsletters documenting the history and activities of The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association from 1964 to 2012.
• Pearl Harbor Messenger: The Pearl Harbor Messenger was published by the Naval Supply Depot of Pearl Harbor. These two copies were generously donated by servicemembers who served at Pearl Harbor during that special time in history.
• Pearl Harbor Messenger, May 1945, Volume 4, Number 5
• Pearl Harbor Messenger, July 1945, Volume 4, Number 7