Bob Fernandez, a centenarian, vividly recalls the day his youthful dreams of dancing and global exploration were shattered by the unexpected eruption of war. In August 1941, at the tender age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, only to find himself four months later amidst the chaos and terror of the Pearl Harbor attack. He remembers the deafening explosions, the frantic scramble to supply ammunition to the artillery crews aboard the USS Curtiss, and the pervasive confusion as Japanese planes rained fire upon the unsuspecting naval base. The experience remains etched in his memory, a stark contrast to the carefree life he had envisioned.
The 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating event that propelled the United States into World War II. While Fernandez, due to health reasons, was unable to join the dwindling number of survivors gathered at the solemn commemoration in Hawaii, his story echoes the experiences of countless others who endured the surprise attack. Two other survivors, both over 100 years old, made the journey to Pearl Harbor to honor the fallen and reflect on the day that forever altered the course of history. The dwindling number of survivors underscores the passage of time and the importance of preserving their memories and the historical significance of the event. The ceremony, hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service, includes active-duty troops, veterans, and members of the public, all united in remembrance.
The attack on Pearl Harbor claimed the lives of more than 2,300 US servicemen, a devastating loss that shook the nation. Almost half of the casualties were sailors and Marines stationed on the USS Arizona, a battleship that sank during the attack and now serves as a watery grave for over 900 crew members whose remains remain entombed within the submerged vessel. Each year, the moment of silence at 7:54 a.m., the precise time the attack commenced, allows for a collective reflection on the magnitude of the loss and the bravery of those who perished. The traditional flyover by aircraft in missing man formation poignantly punctuates the silence, serving as a visual tribute to the fallen.
Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, diligently maintains a list of the surviving Pearl Harbor veterans, a number that has dwindled to a mere 16. This stark reality highlights the passage of time and the increasing urgency of capturing their stories before they are lost forever. While many consider these survivors heroes, Fernandez humbly rejects the label, considering himself simply an “ammunition passer.” His perspective offers a glimpse into the humility and resilience of those who served, focusing on their duty rather than seeking personal recognition. It is estimated that approximately 87,000 military personnel were present on Oahu on the fateful day, a testament to the scale of the attack and its impact on the military community.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Fernandez, working as a mess cook aboard the USS Curtiss, was anticipating a night of dancing at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. His ordinary routine was abruptly interrupted by the piercing sound of an alarm. Looking out a porthole, he witnessed a Japanese plane bearing the distinctive red ball insignia. The sudden shift from anticipation to alarm underscores the abrupt and shocking nature of the attack. He immediately rushed to the magazine room, where he and other sailors anxiously awaited access to the stored ammunition, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. Fernandez recalls the sounds of gunfire echoing from above, amplifying the sense of danger and uncertainty. Some of his fellow sailors resorted to prayer and wept in fear, a testament to the emotional toll of the unexpected attack.
During the chaos, the USS Curtiss’s guns managed to strike a Japanese plane, causing it to crash into one of the ship’s cranes. Another dive bomber was hit and subsequently slammed into the ship, triggering an explosion below deck that engulfed the hangar and main decks in flames. The ship suffered heavy casualties, with 21 men losing their lives and nearly 60 injured. Fernandez’s lament, “We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didn’t do nothing,” reflects the senselessness of war and the profound impact of the attack on the close-knit community aboard the ship. In the aftermath, Fernandez was tasked with the grim duty of clearing debris and stood guard, his rifle at the ready, to protect the ship from further harm. Exhausted, he unknowingly fell asleep next to the bodies of his fallen comrades, a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Following his service, Fernandez returned to civilian life, working as a forklift driver in California. He built a family and enjoyed a long marriage, but the memories of Pearl Harbor undoubtedly remained with him. He has returned to Hawaii three times to participate in remembrance ceremonies, a testament to the enduring impact of the event on his life and the lives of so many others. Despite the hardships he has endured, Fernandez maintains a positive outlook and continues to find joy in music and dancing.
