Edward L. Gilbert US Navy USS Dewey |
After completing basic training in San Diego, I was stationed aboard the destroyer USS Dewey. On December 7, 1941, we were in the harbor at Pearl on our normal schedule. As a Seaman, 1st Class, I had the 0800 watch. I had just returned from early breakfast and was walking back to clean up in preparation for my watch. Suddenly I heard explosions and spotted planes off the stern. I immediately knew they were enemy planes as I could see the rising sun insignia and the pilot. Torpedoes were already headed for the battleships. As general quarters sounded, I took my position at No. 2 gun. We had to remove the canvas awnings and wait for the live ammunition to come up from the magazine before we could commence firing. Because of work being done on our gyro compass, we were unable to get underway until approximately 1200 hours. We then went out of the harbor to patrol, returning after dark to reload ammunition. A very scary time for a 20 year old sailor! |
Information provided by Lester Richie. |
