Jones U. Smith US Navy USS Vestal

On December 7, 1941, my father, Chief Petty Officer Jones U. Smith, was stationed aboard the Vestal, which at the time was moored to the port side of the Arizona. Chief Smith gave his family the following summarized account regarding that tragic day. Chief Smith was below deck and heard what appeared to be the sound of a stick being drug along a picket fence. He later realized that what he was actually hearing was the sound of one of the bombs penetrating through three decks and exploding in the GSK stores. Chief Smith was knocked unconscious by the explosion and when he regained consciousness realized that the Vestal was severely damaged. He managed to find his way to the main deck, and once on the deck he was able to see the damage done by the bombs and torpedoes not only to the Vestal but also the Arizona and other ships. He said the water was ablaze all around them and men were diving overboard into the burning water. An order had been given to abandon ship, but the Captain who had been thrown overboard by the explosion managed to get back onto his ship and rescind the order. The Captain proceeded to order that the ship be run aground and all hands that were still on board followed through with that order. With no steering gear and with the aid of a tug they were able to pull away from the Arizona and move the Vestal to a point where it could be beached and repairs made. Chief Smith and others were given medals for staying on board and helping to move the Vestal. Chief Smith used to chuckle when he told family members about his medal, he would say he really didn't have a choice about staying on board, because there was no way he was going to jump into that burning water. Chief Smith had three brothers and an uncle who were also aboard ships at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Through the grace of God they all survived the war. Chief Smith always spoke with only the greatest respect and admiration for all those who were at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Information provided by Mary Toscano