I was at Wheeler Field during the attack and to think those 1,117 that are still on the Arizona didn't have a chance to fight, live or anything.
I've talked to some of the other survivors shortly after their ammo was locked up and they didn't have a chance to fight either.
As for my outfit, we were on a special alert for two weeks prior to the attack. On Friday, late afternoon, we were ordered to turn in all of our ammo to the supply house. Anyone that wanted a pass was given one to go to Honolulu for the weekend. My friend and I didn't have any money, so we stayed in camp and played poker with matches.
My outfit at the time was at Wheeler Field during the attack. Later we set up an AAA gun battery down at Hickam Field and we were about a quarter mile away from the Arizona where it will be forever.
I thought at the time, from what I saw with my own eyes the way we turned in our ammo and lined up the airplanes that it was set up and we were sold out by our own government. I am sorry, but that is how I feel, because there will always be this very strong feeling about those kids in the Arizona who didn't have a chance. |