Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description The Normandy landings (codenamed Operation Neptune) were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest The Normandy landings (codenamed Operation Neptune) were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe, led to the restoration of the French Republic, and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.
Planning for the operation began in 1943. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, codenamed Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, but postponing would have meant a delay of at least two weeks, as the invasion planners had requirements for the phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days in each month were deemed suitable. Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in command of German forces and of developing fortifications along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion.
The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France starting at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beach. Strong winds blew the landing craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha. The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult and dangerous. Casualties were heaviest at Omaha, with its high cliffs. At Gold, Juno, and Sword, several fortified towns were cleared in house-to-house fighting, and two major gun emplacements at Gold were disabled using specialised tanks.
The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day. Carentan, St. Lô, and Bayeux remained in German hands, and Caen, a major objective, was not captured until 21 July. Only two of the beaches (Juno and Gold) were linked on the first day, and all five bridgeheads were not connected until 12 June. However, the operation gained a foothold that the Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. Museums, memorials, and war cemeteries in the area host many visitors each year.
Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied operation that launched the successful invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings (Operation Neptune, commonly known as D-Day). A 1,200-plane airborne assault preceded an amphibious assault involving more than 5,000 vessels. Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on 6 June, and more than three million allied troops were in France by the end of August.
The decision to undertake a cross-channel invasion in 1944 was taken at the Trident Conference in Washington in May 1943. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), and General Bernard Montgomery was named as commander of the 21st Army Group, which comprised all the land forces involved in the invasion. The Normandy coast was chosen as the site of the invasion, with the Americans assigned to land at Utah and Omaha Beaches, the British at Sword and Gold Beaches, and Canadians at Juno Beach. To meet the conditions expected on the Normandy beachhead, special technology was developed, including two artificial ports called Mulberry harbours and an array of specialised tanks nicknamed Hobart's Funnies. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, Operation Bodyguard, using both electronic and visual misinformation. This misled the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in charge of developing fortifications all along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an invasion.
The Allies failed to reach their goals for the first day, but gained a tenuous foothold that they gradually expanded as they captured the port at Cherbourg on 26 June and the city of Caen on 21 July. A failed counterattack by German forces on 8 August led to 50,000 soldiers of the German 7th Army being trapped in the Falaise pocket. The Allies launched an invasion of southern France (Operation Dragoon) on 15 August, and the Liberation of Paris followed on 25 August. German forces retreated across the Seine on 30 August 1944, marking the close of Operation Overlord.... More
Best Moment
CAPTAIN CHARLES M. COOKE, U. S. Navy 27 February 1941- 3 April 1942
Worst Moment
DECLASSIFIED ACTION REPORT COMMANDER IN CHIEF, UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
SERIAL 0479 - 15 FEBRUARY 1942 REPORT OF JAPANESE RAID ON PEARL HARBOR, 7 DECEMBER 1941. [VOLUME 3]
ENCLOSURE E- NARRATIVE REPORTS OF COMMANDING OFFICERS. PART 2- USS NARWHAL (SS167) TO: USS ZANE (DMS14) 4003
OFFICE OF NAVAL RECORDS AND LIBRARY
In reply refer to No.
BB38/
Preparer A16-3/(0153) U.S.S. PENNSYLVANIA 10/jm
Hawaiian Area,
December 16, 1941.
DECLASSIFIED
From: The Commanding Officer
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S PENNSYLVANIA'S Report of Action during
Enemy Air Attack morning of Sunday, 7 December,
1941.
References: (a) Cincpac conf despatch 102102 of Dec.1941.
(b) Cincpac conf mgm 111310 of Dec. 1941
1. Reports of the Action of December 7. in accordance with references, - of the extent and sequence of attacks, of the times of attacks, of the number of planes involved -, are based on conflicting and confused testimony of many observers, including the the Commanding Officer, none of whom could observe more than a part of the action at any one time.
2. STATUS AND CONDITION OF SHIP BEFORE ACTION.
In dry-dock No. 1, with three propeller shafts removed. Destroyers CASSIN and DOWNES in dock ahead of PENNSYLVANIA. New dry-dock West of PENNSYLVANIA dry but not occupied. Floating dock West of new dry-dock occupied by destroyer SHAW. Cruiser HELENA with OGLALA alongside dock at berth B-2, (PENNSYLVANIA'S normal berth) astern of PENNSYLVANIA. Across the channel in berth F-3 - CALIFORNIA; berth F-5 - MARYLAND inboard, OKLAHOMA outboard; berth F-6 - TENNESSEE inboard, WEST VIRGINIA outboard; berth F-7 ARIZONA; berth F-6 - NEVADA.
PENNSYLVANIA had been excused from anti-aircraft drills while and because of being in dry-dock (no, drills scheduled for Sunday). Machine guns in foremast were, however, manned. A Condition Watch of anti-aircraft personnel was available on board but not on guns. Commanding Officer and First Lieutenant were aboard, together with department representatives from each department. No orders to alert were received.
Ship was receiving steam, power and water from the Yard.
3. NARRATIVE OF ACTION.
First Call to colors had been sounded, when about 0757, explosions were heard on the end of Ford Island abreast dry-dock No.1. When second explosion took place, it was realized that at air raid was in progress. Men started proceeding to their stations and "Air Defense" was sounded. Shortly after, general quarters was sounded. Condition "YOKE" was set as soon as stations were manned. In many cases men knocked off locks of ammunition ready boxes and ready stowage's, not waiting for keys. 0802 - Attack by torpedo planes came in from West and South, attacking OGLALA and HELENA and battleships across the channel. Number of planes not recorded, estimate 12 or l5.
0802 to 0805 (exact time not known), PENNSYLVANIA commenced firing at enemy planes - reported as first ship opening fire by personnel as board. All anti-aircraft batteries were rapidly brought into action. After release of torpedoes, three planes came in low from the port beam, strafing PENNSYLVANIA, - strafing attack not effective. During the torpedo attack, one enemy plane was observed to burst into flames about 2,000 yards on the starboard bow.
Dive bombing attacks, torpedo attack on Pearl Harbor and dive bombing attacks on Hickam Field continued.
Sometime between 8 and 8:30 a.m. the NEVADA was observed to be getting underway and had reached a point about on the PENNSYLVANIA'S starboard quarter, distant about 600 yards when a dive bombing attack was observed to be approaching the PENNSYLVANIA on the port bow, 10 or 15 planes coming in succession, low attitude. This was between 0830 and 0900. This attack apparently was directed at the PENNSYLVANIA and the two destroyers in dock. These attacking planes were taken under heavy fire. Just before reaching PENNSYLVANIA about two-thirds appeared to swerve to the left, a number of them dropping bombs at the NEVADA, with some misses ahead, some misses astern, and at least one hit apparently in the vicinity of the bridge. The NEVADA was observed to stop.
At the same time, other planes of this attack passed to port and over the PENNSYLVANIA and dropped bombs which fell in the water beyond the caisson. Except probably for machine gun bullets it is believed that the PENNSYLVANIA was not hit during this attack.
One of the dive bombers dropped a bomb on the SHAW in the floating dry-dock, setting it on fire.
The NEVADA observed to slowly swing around, head to port and broadside to the channel, later drifting across the harbor, on fire forward.
During the period 0830 to 0915 - HIGH BOMBING ATTACK.
About 5 high bombing attacks were observed to pass over the PENNSYLVANIA, one from the port bow, one from ahead and one from ahead passing to starboard, two from astern. These attacks were in "V" formation generally with from 4 to 6 planes in each formation, usually five. Formations maintained straight courses and I estimate were at an altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet.
The first attack coming in from ahead and passing to starboard is believed to have bombed the battleships across the channel.
The second attack coming in slightly on the port bow dropped bombs on the ships in the drydock, one heavy bomb hit the destroyer DOWNES in the dock ahead of the PENNSYLVANIA, one hit the dock approximately abreast frame 20 starboard of the PENNSYLVANIA and one hit the boat deck of the PENNSYLVANIA a few feet abaft 5"/25 gun No. 7, passing through the boat deck and detonating in the casemate of 5"/51 gun No. 9. The fifth bomb is believed to have struck the water outside the dock.
The third high bombing attack from ahead, appeared to drop bombs shortly after passing overhead on battleships across the channel.
The bomb hits on the PENNSYLVANIA and DOWNES occurred at 0906.
All high bombing attacks were fired on by all batteries. 5" bursts appeared to have been accurate, but later it was estimated that fuse settings were too short and that the bombing formation was not being reached, perhaps by several thousand feet.
4. SPORADIC ATTACKS.
Sporadic attacks continued for some 15 minutes afterwards. Last observed attack was from a plane passing to the South at a low altitude along the port beam of the PENNSYLVANIA. About thirty machine gun hits in the shield around the maintop machine gunners may have come from this plane. These machine gun bullets did not penetrate the shield. This plane was taken under heavy fire by our port battery and was hit by the machine gun on the port side of the stack while going away and crashed in the hospital grounds. This destruction of this plane is practically certain (observers on claim to have destroyed six enemy planes. There is fairly good proof of two having been hit by this ship, but there is no way to confirm the other claims).
5. FLOODING OF DRY-DOCK.
Flooding of dry-dock was started about 0920. At this time both destroyers ahead were heavily on fire. The bomb hit on dock at 0907 had cut yard power, and subsequently power on the ship for lights, gun operation, etc., was taken from the ship's storage batteries. At the same time, fire main pressure, being received from the yard, was cut off.
Fires were lighted under No. 4 boiler, beginning at 0830.
Raising steam on board was hampered because of the smoke coming from a child boiler. This smoke interfered with anti-aircraft fire, so that it had to be minimized. At 1010 the dock had become sufficiently flooded. Fire and bilge pumps on the ship were started, and at 1028 power on ship was taken on two generators.
6. FIRE IN THE DOCK.
Both destroyers ahead were on fire from stem to stern, and fire was transmitted to oil on the water in dock, setting fire to the paint on the starboard bow of the PENNSYLVANIA. Fire was being fought by hose from the dock, on the side of the CASSIN. No hose was available for fighting fire on the DOWNES.
About 0930, explosions on the destroyers ahead began to take place, and at 0941, warheads on DOWNES exploded on the starboard side, covering the area with debris. A section of torpedo tube, weighting between 500 and 1,000 lbs. struck on the PENNSYLVANIA'S forecastle. Precautionary measures were taken on the bow of the PENNSYLVANIA to prevent the spread of the fire internally. Aluminum paint in compartments A-102 and A-602-1 melted and flowed down to the bottom of the compartments. Fire was brought under control before serious damage to the PENNSYLVANIA resulted.
The CASSIN, from which part of the bottom of the hull had been removed for dock work, rolled over on the DOWNES during the fire.
7. DAMAGE TO PENNSYLVANIA.
A 500-lb. bomb dropped from high altitude bomber, 10,000 to 12,000 feet, penetrated the boat deck inside the protective shield and just abaft No. 7, 5"/25. cal. gun. After passing through this deck, apparently it was either deflected or rolled slightly in the compartment before detonating. The detonation caused the boat deck
to open up for a space of about 20' X 20', opening up upward, and the casemate deck was opened up in a similar area, opening up downward. The bulkhead abaft Gun No. 9, 5"/51 cal. was blown out, and gun was put out of action. Explosion wrecked a considerable part of galley equipment and caused fuel oil from the service tank to run into the decks below.
The explosion blast and fragments dished in the main deck and penetrated to the second deck. 3" ammunition was being passed through the compartment on the main deck just forward of 3" clipping room serving No. 3, 3"/50 cal. gun on quarter deck. At the time of the explosion, boxes containing about 24 rounds of 3" were in this compartment. Of these, cartridge cases of 8 - 3" projectiles were perforated, the fragments causing the propellant powder to burn, but none exploded.
Fragments on the boat deck struck a 40' motor sailing launch in the skids perforating the side in a number of places. This motor launch probably saved some personnel manning port guns.
This bomb explosion caused fire in the casemate and on the main deck and on the second deck. Fire was difficult to put out because of lack of pressure on fire mains, and because of difficulty of extinguishing fire in the painted cork lining on bulkheads. A large number of fire extinguishers were used. Fire, water and oil caused damage to officers' rooms on second deck in vicinity of explosion.
Casing of ammunition hoist to 5"/25 battery was dished in by the explosion putting this ammunition hoist out of action for the time being. Three flights of the hoist were also buckled.
Degaussing cable in vicinity of explosion was ruptured, necessitating complete repairs. (Degaussing cable was also cut in a number of other places by fragments).
Platform for operation of Gun No. 7, 5"/25 was raised by the explosion and this gun was adjacent to the large section of deck blown up. After explosion gun would not be trained to the limits of train forward, but after casualties had been replaced gun was continued in action.
Power failures from the dock were frequent necessitating using local control on one battery practically throughout the engagement. This battery power could only be used for one side.
8. CASUALTIES.
The bomb explosion in casemate No. 9, caused the death of about 26 men and two officers. One officer, the First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander J. E. Craig, U.S.N., was probably passing through the compartment to carry out specially assigned duties aft. Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard R. Rall, Medical Corps, U.S.N., was at the Battle Dressing Station in the Warrant Officer's Mess Room, when killed.
Of the men, a number were killed on Gun No. 7, a larger number in casemate No. 9, some additional in the "V" division compartment on the main deck under casemate No. 9, and some in the vicinity of No. 3, 3" gun.
One man, manning the donkey boiler on the dock (supplying steam to the ship) was killed, probably either by a machine gun bullet or by the bomb hit on the dock on the starboard side of the ship. Total number of wounded was 29. Nature of wounds -- severe burns, multiple wounds.
9. DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT.
The conduct of all officers and men was of the highest order. There was no flinching. There was no necessity of urging men to action. Rather was there perhaps in some cases over zeal in the matter of expending ammunition. The Command Officer would be glad
to recommend each individual participating in the action for distinguished conduct, but recognizes that this cannot be well done.
There were, however, a number of cases of wounded men insisting on continuing on station, serving guns, under order to battle dressing stations to have the wounds attended. A complete list of these is not yet available.
A number of yard workmen assisted in handling lines, fighting fires and one even joined the ammunition group of a gun's crew.
It was noted by everyone participating in the action that after it had been going on for an hour and a half to two hours, each officer and man experienced a heavy thirst which was largely unquenchable, requiring excessive drinking of water. This confirms the necessity of having water at all battle stations in readiness for action.
10. EXPENDITURE OF AMMUNITION.
At about 1030 the PENNSYLVANIA sent motor launches to West Loch for more ammunition. At about 1800 complete replacement of ammunition had been made. The first motor launch returned with ammunition during the noon hour. It was impossible to make a complete check of ammunition expended and received, however, the estimated expenditure was:
5"/25 - 650 rounds.
3"/50 - 350 rounds.
.50 cal. - 60,000 rounds
3"/50 caliber was in a number of instances fired at high altitude bombers, beyond their range. Under the conditions it was probably unwise to attempt to stop this. .50 caliber was fired at high altitude bombers on a number of occasions with a consequent waste of ammunition. Steps were taken to correct this.
11. REPAIRS.
Preparatory work for repairing damage of bomb hit was started by the ship's force abut 1400. Later, - the following day, this work was carried on by yard forces and ship's force together. One 5"/51 gun and mount was obtained by the ship's force from the WEST VIRGINIA for installation on this ship.
In addition, No. 3, 5"/25 gun, was slightly bulged by our own fire. New gun was obtained from WEST VIRGINIA by the ship's force.
It is estimated repairs will be completed on December 17. Ship was ready to go to sea immediately upon undocking on December 12, with exception of not having No. 9, 5"/51 gun ready.
12. It is not practicable to estimate the total number of planes that participated in the attack on the ships in Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, but I would say at least 60.
C. M. COOKE, Jr.
Copy to: CBD-2
Combatships
Combatfor File
Other Memories
At 0755 on the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS PENNSYLVANIA was sitting in dry-dock in the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Her screws had been removed from their shafts and were resting on the bottom of the dock. She had been scheduled to leave the dock on the sixth and berth at Ten Ten Dock, immediately adjacent, but delays had been encountered, those delays probably saved the ship.
It was a normal quite Sunday morning and there was little activity aboard. The watch had just been set and the Chaplain was making preparations for the eight o'clock mass on the quarterdeck. Virtually all of the Ships Company were aboard. In view of the existing conditions general over-night liberty had not been granted.
Suddenly and with complete surprise, Japanese dive bombers and torpedo bombers roared out of the high overcast. The PENNSYLVANIA was one of the first ships in the harbor to open fire. Her 50 caliber machine gun crews had their guns in action even before General Quarters was sounded. Official Report
Japanese Planes tried repeatedly to torpedo the caisson of the dry-dock but never succeeded. If they had, a wall of water would have swept into the dry-dock, causing incalculable damage to the PENNSYLVANIA. The ship and the surrounding dock areas were strafed severely, and a medium bomb struck the starboard side of the boat deck, and burst inside encasement 9. The crew of the 5"/51 was wiped out, The destroyers CASSIN and DOWNES, just forward of the PENNSYLVANIA in the dry-dock, were hit and seriously damaged. The intensity of the fires in the DOWNES caused her fuel oil tanks to explode with further extensive damage. The torpedoes on her deck were armed with warheads, and at least two of these went off with a mighty roar, sending flames more than 100 feet high and showering that section of the harbor with metal fragments. A portion of a torpedo tube weighing about 1,000 pounds was blown onto the forecastle of the PENNSYLVANIA, and bomb fragments pockmarked the battleship. At 0945, almost two hours from the time it had begun, the raid ended. The damage in Pearl Harbor was appalling, although it might have been worse. The ARIZONA, the PENNSYLVANIA'S sister ship, was smashed beyond hope of salvage. The OKLAHOMA was capsized. The WEST VIRGINIA and CALIFORNIA were resting on the bottom, and the NEVADA had been beached. Of the eight battleships in the harbor only the PENNSYLVANIA, TENNESSEE, and MARYLAND had received minor damage. Our light forces had fared better. Three light cruisers had suffered moderate damage, but three other light cruisers and three heavy cruisers had gone untouched. Three destroyers were heavily damaged.
Not quite two weeks later the PENNSYLVANIA stood out of Pearl Harbor. She spent Christmas underway and arrived in San Francisco on December 29. The damage caused by the one bomb hit at Pearl Harbor was repaired, and the four 3"/50's on the boat deck were replaced with LL's. Throughout the greater part of 1942 the PENNSYLVANIA served in Task Force 1, consisting of seven OBB's, and carried the Task Force Commander, Vice Admiral W.S. Pye. From February through July the Task force operated out of, though sometimes at considerable distance from, San Francisco.
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Description The attack on Pearl Harbor, also known as the Battle of Pearl Harbor, the Hawaii Operation or Operation AI by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters, and Operation Z during planning, was a surpriThe attack on Pearl Harbor, also known as the Battle of Pearl Harbor, the Hawaii Operation or Operation AI by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters, and Operation Z during planning, was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory, on the morning of December 7, 1941. The attack led to the United States' entry into World War II.
Japan intended the attack as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan planned in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. Over the next seven hours there were coordinated Japanese attacks on the U.S.-held Philippines, Guam and Wake Island and on the British Empire in Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
The attack commenced at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time. The base was attacked by 353 Imperial Japanese fighter planes, bombers, and torpedo planes in two waves, launched from six aircraft carriers. All eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, with four sunk. All but Arizona were later raised, and six were returned to service and went on to fight in the war. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 others were wounded. Important base installations such as the power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not attacked. Japanese losses were light: 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 64 servicemen killed. One Japanese sailor, Kazuo Sakamaki, was captured.
The attack came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the American entry into World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters. The following day, December 8, the United States declared war on Japan. Domestic support for non-interventionism, which had been fading since the Fall of France in 1940,[19] disappeared. Clandestine support of the United Kingdom (e.g., the Neutrality Patrol) was replaced by active alliance. Subsequent operations by the U.S. prompted Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy to declare war on the U.S. on December 11, which was reciprocated by the U.S. the same day.
From the 1950s, several writers alleged that parties high in the U.S. and British governments knew of the attack in advance and may have let it happen (or even encouraged it) with the aim of bringing the U.S. into war. However, this advance-knowledge conspiracy theory is rejected by mainstream historians.
There were numerous historical precedents for unannounced military action by Japan. However, the lack of any formal warning, particularly while negotiations were still apparently ongoing, led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy". Because the attack happened without a declaration of war and without explicit warning, the attack on Pearl Harbor was judged by the Tokyo Trials to be a war crime.... More
Memories
Commanding Officer of USS PENNSYLVANIA during the attack
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
CAPTAIN CHARLES M. COOKE, U. S. Navy
27 February 1941- 3 April 1942
DECLASSIFIED
ACTION REPORT
COMMANDER IN CHIEF, UNITED STATES PACIFIC
FLEET
SERIAL 0479 - 15 FEBRUARY 1942
REPORT OF JAPANESE RAID ON PEARL HARBOR,
7 DECEMBER 1941. [VOLUME 3]
ENCLOSURE E- NARRATIVE REPORTS OF COMMANDING OFFICERS.
PART 2- USS NARWHAL (SS167)
TO: USS ZANE (DMS14) 4003
OFFICE OF NAVAL RECORDS AND LIBRARY
In reply refer to No.
BB38/
Preparer A16-3/(0153) U.S.S. PENNSYLVANIA 10/jm
Hawaiian Area,
December 16, 1941.
DECLASSIFIED
From: The Commanding Officer
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S PENNSYLVANIA'S Report of Action during
Enemy Air Attack morning of Sunday, 7 December,
1941.
References: (a) Cincpac conf despatch 102102 of Dec.1941.
(b) Cincpac conf mgm 111310 of Dec. 1941
1. Reports of the Action of December 7. in accordance with references, - of the extent and sequence of attacks, of the times of attacks, of the number of planes involved -, are based on conflicting and confused testimony of many observers, including the the Commanding Officer, none of whom could observe more than a part of the action at any one time.
2. STATUS AND CONDITION OF SHIP BEFORE ACTION.
In dry-dock No. 1, with three propeller shafts removed. Destroyers CASSIN and DOWNES in dock ahead of PENNSYLVANIA. New dry-dock West of PENNSYLVANIA dry but not occupied. Floating dock West of new dry-dock occupied by destroyer SHAW. Cruiser HELENA with OGLALA alongside dock at berth B-2, (PENNSYLVANIA'S normal berth) astern of PENNSYLVANIA. Across the channel in berth F-3 - CALIFORNIA; berth F-5 - MARYLAND inboard, OKLAHOMA outboard; berth F-6 - TENNESSEE inboard, WEST VIRGINIA outboard; berth F-7 ARIZONA; berth F-6 - NEVADA.
PENNSYLVANIA had been excused from anti-aircraft drills while and because of being in dry-dock (no, drills scheduled for Sunday). Machine guns in foremast were, however, manned. A Condition Watch of anti-aircraft personnel was available on board but not on guns. Commanding Officer and First Lieutenant were aboard, together with department representatives from each department. No orders to alert were received.
Ship was receiving steam, power and water from the Yard.
3. NARRATIVE OF ACTION.
First Call to colors had been sounded, when about 0757, explosions were heard on the end of Ford Island abreast dry-dock No.1. When second explosion took place, it was realized that at air raid was in progress. Men started proceeding to their stations and "Air Defense" was sounded. Shortly after, general quarters was sounded. Condition "YOKE" was set as soon as stations were manned. In many cases men knocked off locks of ammunition ready boxes and ready stowage's, not waiting for keys. 0802 - Attack by torpedo planes came in from West and South, attacking OGLALA and HELENA and battleships across the channel. Number of planes not recorded, estimate 12 or l5.
0802 to 0805 (exact time not known), PENNSYLVANIA commenced firing at enemy planes - reported as first ship opening fire by personnel as board. All anti-aircraft batteries were rapidly brought into action. After release of torpedoes, three planes came in low from the port beam, strafing PENNSYLVANIA, - strafing attack not effective. During the torpedo attack, one enemy plane was observed to burst into flames about 2,000 yards on the starboard bow.
Dive bombing attacks, torpedo attack on Pearl Harbor and dive bombing attacks on Hickam Field continued.
Sometime between 8 and 8:30 a.m. the NEVADA was observed to be getting underway and had reached a point about on the PENNSYLVANIA'S starboard quarter, distant about 600 yards when a dive bombing attack was observed to be approaching the PENNSYLVANIA on the port bow, 10 or 15 planes coming in succession, low attitude. This was between 0830 and 0900. This attack apparently was directed at the PENNSYLVANIA and the two destroyers in dock. These attacking planes were taken under heavy fire. Just before reaching PENNSYLVANIA about two-thirds appeared to swerve to the left, a number of them dropping bombs at the NEVADA, with some misses ahead, some misses astern, and at least one hit apparently in the vicinity of the bridge. The NEVADA was observed to stop.
At the same time, other planes of this attack passed to port and over the PENNSYLVANIA and dropped bombs which fell in the water beyond the caisson. Except probably for machine gun bullets it is believed that the PENNSYLVANIA was not hit during this attack.
One of the dive bombers dropped a bomb on the SHAW in the floating dry-dock, setting it on fire.
The NEVADA observed to slowly swing around, head to port and broadside to the channel, later drifting across the harbor, on fire forward.
During the period 0830 to 0915 - HIGH BOMBING ATTACK.
About 5 high bombing attacks were observed to pass over the PENNSYLVANIA, one from the port bow, one from ahead and one from ahead passing to starboard, two from astern. These attacks were in "V" formation generally with from 4 to 6 planes in each formation, usually five. Formations maintained straight courses and I estimate were at an altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet.
The first attack coming in from ahead and passing to starboard is believed to have bombed the battleships across the channel.
The second attack coming in slightly on the port bow dropped bombs on the ships in the drydock, one heavy bomb hit the destroyer DOWNES in the dock ahead of the PENNSYLVANIA, one hit the dock approximately abreast frame 20 starboard of the PENNSYLVANIA and one hit the boat deck of the PENNSYLVANIA a few feet abaft 5"/25 gun No. 7, passing through the boat deck and detonating in the casemate of 5"/51 gun No. 9. The fifth bomb is believed to have struck the water outside the dock.
The third high bombing attack from ahead, appeared to drop bombs shortly after passing overhead on battleships across the channel.
The bomb hits on the PENNSYLVANIA and DOWNES occurred at 0906.
All high bombing attacks were fired on by all batteries. 5" bursts appeared to have been accurate, but later it was estimated that fuse settings were too short and that the bombing formation was not being reached, perhaps by several thousand feet.
4. SPORADIC ATTACKS.
Sporadic attacks continued for some 15 minutes afterwards. Last observed attack was from a plane passing to the South at a low altitude along the port beam of the PENNSYLVANIA. About thirty machine gun hits in the shield around the maintop machine gunners may have come from this plane. These machine gun bullets did not penetrate the shield. This plane was taken under heavy fire by our port battery and was hit by the machine gun on the port side of the stack while going away and crashed in the hospital grounds. This destruction of this plane is practically certain (observers on claim to have destroyed six enemy planes. There is fairly good proof of two having been hit by this ship, but there is no way to confirm the other claims).
5. FLOODING OF DRY-DOCK.
Flooding of dry-dock was started about 0920. At this time both destroyers ahead were heavily on fire. The bomb hit on dock at 0907 had cut yard power, and subsequently power on the ship for lights, gun operation, etc., was taken from the ship's storage batteries. At the same time, fire main pressure, being received from the yard, was cut off.
Fires were lighted under No. 4 boiler, beginning at 0830.
Raising steam on board was hampered because of the smoke coming from a child boiler. This smoke interfered with anti-aircraft fire, so that it had to be minimized. At 1010 the dock had become sufficiently flooded. Fire and bilge pumps on the ship were started, and at 1028 power on ship was taken on two generators.
6. FIRE IN THE DOCK.
Both destroyers ahead were on fire from stem to stern, and fire was transmitted to oil on the water in dock, setting fire to the paint on the starboard bow of the PENNSYLVANIA. Fire was being fought by hose from the dock, on the side of the CASSIN. No hose was available for fighting fire on the DOWNES.
About 0930, explosions on the destroyers ahead began to take place, and at 0941, warheads on DOWNES exploded on the starboard side, covering the area with debris. A section of torpedo tube, weighting between 500 and 1,000 lbs. struck on the PENNSYLVANIA'S forecastle. Precautionary measures were taken on the bow of the PENNSYLVANIA to prevent the spread of the fire internally. Aluminum paint in compartments A-102 and A-602-1 melted and flowed down to the bottom of the compartments. Fire was brought under control before serious damage to the PENNSYLVANIA resulted.
The CASSIN, from which part of the bottom of the hull had been removed for dock work, rolled over on the DOWNES during the fire.
7. DAMAGE TO PENNSYLVANIA.
A 500-lb. bomb dropped from high altitude bomber, 10,000 to 12,000 feet, penetrated the boat deck inside the protective shield and just abaft No. 7, 5"/25. cal. gun. After passing through this deck, apparently it was either deflected or rolled slightly in the compartment before detonating. The detonation caused the boat deck
to open up for a space of about 20' X 20', opening up upward, and the casemate deck was opened up in a similar area, opening up downward. The bulkhead abaft Gun No. 9, 5"/51 cal. was blown out, and gun was put out of action. Explosion wrecked a considerable part of galley equipment and caused fuel oil from the service tank to run into the decks below.
The explosion blast and fragments dished in the main deck and penetrated to the second deck. 3" ammunition was being passed through the compartment on the main deck just forward of 3" clipping room serving No. 3, 3"/50 cal. gun on quarter deck. At the time of the explosion, boxes containing about 24 rounds of 3" were in this compartment. Of these, cartridge cases of 8 - 3" projectiles were perforated, the fragments causing the propellant powder to burn, but none exploded.
Fragments on the boat deck struck a 40' motor sailing launch in the skids perforating the side in a number of places. This motor launch probably saved some personnel manning port guns.
This bomb explosion caused fire in the casemate and on the main deck and on the second deck. Fire was difficult to put out because of lack of pressure on fire mains, and because of difficulty of extinguishing fire in the painted cork lining on bulkheads. A large number of fire extinguishers were used. Fire, water and oil caused damage to officers' rooms on second deck in vicinity of explosion.
Casing of ammunition hoist to 5"/25 battery was dished in by the explosion putting this ammunition hoist out of action for the time being. Three flights of the hoist were also buckled.
Degaussing cable in vicinity of explosion was ruptured, necessitating complete repairs. (Degaussing cable was also cut in a number of other places by fragments).
Platform for operation of Gun No. 7, 5"/25 was raised by the explosion and this gun was adjacent to the large section of deck blown up. After explosion gun would not be trained to the limits of train forward, but after casualties had been replaced gun was continued in action.
Power failures from the dock were frequent necessitating using local control on one battery practically throughout the engagement. This battery power could only be used for one side.
8. CASUALTIES.
The bomb explosion in casemate No. 9, caused the death of about 26 men and two officers. One officer, the First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander J. E. Craig, U.S.N., was probably passing through the compartment to carry out specially assigned duties aft. Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard R. Rall, Medical Corps, U.S.N., was at the Battle Dressing Station in the Warrant Officer's Mess Room, when killed.
Of the men, a number were killed on Gun No. 7, a larger number in casemate No. 9, some additional in the "V" division compartment on the main deck under casemate No. 9, and some in the vicinity of No. 3, 3" gun.
One man, manning the donkey boiler on the dock (supplying steam to the ship) was killed, probably either by a machine gun bullet or by the bomb hit on the dock on the starboard side of the ship. Total number of wounded was 29. Nature of wounds -- severe burns, multiple wounds.
9. DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT.
The conduct of all officers and men was of the highest order. There was no flinching. There was no necessity of urging men to action. Rather was there perhaps in some cases over zeal in the matter of expending ammunition. The Command Officer would be glad
to recommend each individual participating in the action for distinguished conduct, but recognizes that this cannot be well done.
There were, however, a number of cases of wounded men insisting on continuing on station, serving guns, under order to battle dressing stations to have the wounds attended. A complete list of these is not yet available.
A number of yard workmen assisted in handling lines, fighting fires and one even joined the ammunition group of a gun's crew.
It was noted by everyone participating in the action that after it had been going on for an hour and a half to two hours, each officer and man experienced a heavy thirst which was largely unquenchable, requiring excessive drinking of water. This confirms the necessity of having water at all battle stations in readiness for action.
10. EXPENDITURE OF AMMUNITION.
At about 1030 the PENNSYLVANIA sent motor launches to West Loch for more ammunition. At about 1800 complete replacement of ammunition had been made. The first motor launch returned with ammunition during the noon hour. It was impossible to make a complete check of ammunition expended and received, however, the estimated expenditure was:
5"/25 - 650 rounds.
3"/50 - 350 rounds.
.50 cal. - 60,000 rounds
3"/50 caliber was in a number of instances fired at high altitude bombers, beyond their range. Under the conditions it was probably unwise to attempt to stop this. .50 caliber was fired at high altitude bombers on a number of occasions with a consequent waste of ammunition. Steps were taken to correct this.
11. REPAIRS.
Preparatory work for repairing damage of bomb hit was started by the ship's force abut 1400. Later, - the following day, this work was carried on by yard forces and ship's force together. One 5"/51 gun and mount was obtained by the ship's force from the WEST VIRGINIA for installation on this ship.
In addition, No. 3, 5"/25 gun, was slightly bulged by our own fire. New gun was obtained from WEST VIRGINIA by the ship's force.
It is estimated repairs will be completed on December 17. Ship was ready to go to sea immediately upon undocking on December 12, with exception of not having No. 9, 5"/51 gun ready.
12. It is not practicable to estimate the total number of planes that participated in the attack on the ships in Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, but I would say at least 60.
C. M. COOKE, Jr.
Copy to: CBD-2
Combatships
Combatfor
File
At 0755 on the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS PENNSYLVANIA was sitting in dry-dock in the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Her screws had been removed from their shafts and were resting on the bottom of the dock. She had been scheduled to leave the dock on the sixth and berth at Ten Ten Dock, immediately adjacent, but delays had been encountered, those delays probably saved the ship.
It was a normal quite Sunday morning and there was little activity aboard. The watch had just been set and the Chaplain was making preparations for the eight o'clock mass on the quarterdeck. Virtually all of the Ships Company were aboard. In view of the existing conditions general over-night liberty had not been granted.
Suddenly and with complete surprise, Japanese dive bombers and torpedo bombers roared out of the high overcast. The PENNSYLVANIA was one of the first ships in the harbor to open fire. Her 50 caliber machine gun crews had their guns in action even before General Quarters was sounded. Official Report
Japanese Planes tried repeatedly to torpedo the caisson of the dry-dock but never succeeded. If they had, a wall of water would have swept into the dry-dock, causing incalculable damage to the PENNSYLVANIA. The ship and the surrounding dock areas were strafed severely, and a medium bomb struck the starboard side of the boat deck, and burst inside encasement 9. The crew of the 5"/51 was wiped out, The destroyers CASSIN and DOWNES, just forward of the PENNSYLVANIA in the dry-dock, were hit and seriously damaged. The intensity of the fires in the DOWNES caused her fuel oil tanks to explode with further extensive damage. The torpedoes on her deck were armed with warheads, and at least two of these went off with a mighty roar, sending flames more than 100 feet high and showering that section of the harbor with metal fragments. A portion of a torpedo tube weighing about 1,000 pounds was blown onto the forecastle of the PENNSYLVANIA, and bomb fragments pockmarked the battleship. At 0945, almost two hours from the time it had begun, the raid ended. The damage in Pearl Harbor was appalling, although it might have been worse. The ARIZONA, the PENNSYLVANIA'S sister ship, was smashed beyond hope of salvage. The OKLAHOMA was capsized. The WEST VIRGINIA and CALIFORNIA were resting on the bottom, and the NEVADA had been beached. Of the eight battleships in the harbor only the PENNSYLVANIA, TENNESSEE, and MARYLAND had received minor damage. Our light forces had fared better. Three light cruisers had suffered moderate damage, but three other light cruisers and three heavy cruisers had gone untouched. Three destroyers were heavily damaged.
Not quite two weeks later the PENNSYLVANIA stood out of Pearl Harbor. She spent Christmas underway and arrived in San Francisco on December 29. The damage caused by the one bomb hit at Pearl Harbor was repaired, and the four 3"/50's on the boat deck were replaced with LL's. Throughout the greater part of 1942 the PENNSYLVANIA served in Task Force 1, consisting of seven OBB's, and carried the Task Force Commander, Vice Admiral W.S. Pye. From February through July the Task force operated out of, though sometimes at considerable distance from, San Francisco.