
Top photo courtesy of Mr. John Baer, © Oahu Island News
Former Radioman Third Class, United States Navy
Everett Hyland was born on March 17, 1923, in Stamford, Connecticut. He enlisted for naval service in November of 1940. After boot camp while awaiting trade school, he lived aboard the original USS Constellationin Newport, Rhode Island where he achieved “sea ditty” on the historic ship. Later, he went through radioman’s school in San Diego, California.
On December 7, 1941, Everett was serving aboard the USS Pennsylvania(BB-38) as a seaman. The “Pennsy”, as the ship was nicknamed, was in Dry Dock # 1 on that morning.
During battle stations, his duty was being part of the antenna repair squad which put him top side during the attack. His point of assembly was near the clipping room. There was no need for radio communication as they knew they were under attack. So they fell into line carrying ammunition out to the 3-inch anti-aircraft gun.
He was severely wounded when a Japanese bomb exploded near his battle station. Everett was so badly wounded that he was almost given up for dead. He did not recognize his surroundings until Christmas of 1941.
After 9 months of rehabilitation from his wounds, he returned to sea. He served aboard the USS Memphis(CL-13) and later at the Naval Air Station, Charleston, South Carolina.