Luther D. Worley US Marine Corps USS California

My father, Luther D. Worley was on the deck of the USS California polishing his brass and cleaning his weapons before going on shore leave, as all good Marines do. As the Japanese started to fly over, Luther fired all of his 45 Cal. rounds at the aircraft flying over the California and then reported to his General Quarters station on port side 5" gun turret.  While firing his weapons, he could see the Japanese fighter pilots smile as they flew over. After the first torpedo hit the California, the ammunition conveyor for 5" shells was damaged.  Roy Lee left the Turrett to go below and Luther saw the 50 pound bomb follow Roy down the ladder and Luther slammed the door.  The blast blew the water tight door seals and burned all the men in the turret. After the attack, all the surviving men of the Califonria worked to save men and evac wounded to Ford Island.  Luther freely spoke of all his experiences as a Marine in the South Pacific during the war and spent 30 years in the military serving the country he loved and taught us, his family, to love so much. My father waited to marry my mother, Novalee, until after the war.  Novalee went to Long Beach California to build engine cowling on multi-engine aircraft.  Whe was a "Rosie-the-Riveter and was so much in love with my father. My parents were married for 49 years of wonder and bliss. My father was a true man of integrity and held no grudge against the Japanese for what they did.  Lt. Col Worley died of liver cancer on August 27, 1993.  Luther Worley showed us how to come into this world, appreciate each day and then leave this world without complaint. ---Doug Worley