Ralph Van Vleet US Navy USS California |
My Father, Ralph Van Vleet, was an electrician's mate aboard the USS California. He went to Sunday services topdeck, and was below decks when general quarters was sounded. My Dad's battle station was 5 decks below, and that is where he spent the first part of the battle. He said he wasn't scared, because he was in a steel conning tube. He was asked by an ensign to look out and report what was going on. My Dad went up, and saw the Oklahoma had rolled on its side. He always said at was at that point that he realized what really was happening, and from that point on he was scared. The California was in danger of rolling over as well, but they counterflooded the ship, and it sank evenly. When they gave the order to abandon ship, My Dad got on a launch to Ford Island. He stepped off the launch, into what he thought was ankle deep water, but was actually oil, over his head! They had no water on Ford Island for 3 days, so he sat caked in oil all that time, but he was alive, and otherwise, unhurt. Dad was transferred to the USS Chicago, and later, the aircraft carrier, USS Essex. He spent 6 years in the Navy, and participated in 19 of the 20 major engagements of the Pacific campaign, missing only Midway. His final rank was chief electrician's mate. My father was very active in the Pearl Harbor survivor's association, and right after his family, being a survivor was what he was most proud of. He was very ill in later years, and by the 50th anniversary he was on oxygen 24 hours a day, and could not walk but a few feet at a time. But he went to the reunion, and the ceremony to receive his congressional medal. This inspires me, as I have a video of my Father, who refused to be assisted to the stage, walking alone to receive his medal. I know what effort and will that took. My Dad passed away Jan. 30, 1998. I want to thank ALL the people who were on Oahu Dec. 7, 1941. We must NEVER forget them, and most of all, thank you, Dad, you are truly the greatest person I've ever known. |
Information provided by Matt Van Vleet |
