Charles P. Trumbull, Diary (USS Louisville), 7 December 1941

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Charles P. Trumbull, Diary ( USS Louisville ), 7 December 1941

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December

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[Page 66]

December 16, Tuesday

Terribly rough today. Went to G.Q at 0800 and then set condition II and condition Yoke. Were supposed to pick up two destroyers at 0600 but they missed us. We saw them from our foretops and chased them for a while but had to give up and return to the convoy. two PBY's saw us and apparently got the word to the cans [Destroyers] for they came steaming up around 0900 - the Reed and the Cummings.

Off Pearl Harbor at 1530. Destroyers and PT boats [Patrol Torpedo Boat] all over the place patrolling the entrance. A new boom or sub net is being built at the entrance. We steamed in astern of the Chester and several destroyers. The Chester has been to Manilla and helped bring

[Page 67]

the Marines out of Shanghai, and is apparently just returning.

While entering we could see all the wrecked hangers at Hickam Field and the barricks where one bomb killed 350 soldiers. A plane is in the water just off the entrance.

As we turned up the last channel we could see many wrecked planes an Ford Island. Also I saw what I never thought I would - a U.S. battleship on the bottom - her main deck awash. Naturally everyone thought her to be the Arizona and noticed that she wasn't completely wrecked and that her colors were still flying. But then as we proceed further the worst sight I ever laid eyes on presented itself.

[Page 68]

First we could see the bottom and one screw of the Oklahomia sticking up out of the water. Inboard and forward of her was another battleship on the bottom- one of the California class- more badly damaged than what we first thought was the Arizona but what we now realize was the Nevada. Aft of the Oklahoma is another battleship on the bottom and practically a heap of junk her foremast is burned to a frazzle to above the bridge. There has undoubttedly been a torpedo hit amidships for her- whole side is ripped away and guns and shields and bulkheads are twisted together in one wasted mess. It is where the West Virginia is always moored and resembles her alright. As we passed

[Page 69]

by I could read West Virginia on her stern which is barely above the water.
If Archie or JT were on board I don't see how they could have lived through that.

Aft of the West Virginia is the worst looking junk heap I have ever seen - just one big twisted mass of guns and steel- the Arizona, her foremast burned to a crisp to the very top has toppeled over forward, her second turret has blown up, her midships is unrecognizable and wreckage is strewn everywhere. Anybody who would have lived through that would be a marvel. I just wonder if any of the heads of departments I know were on her- Archies' uncle , Mr. Folger or Mr. Butwell.

Knox [SECNAV] said 2361 men were

[Page 70]

lost and 91 officers. That seems small for such destruction as we have seen today. It absolutely made everyone on board sick and speechless. Here we had expected to find two battleships lost and return to find five (Nevada, California, Oklahoma, West Virgina, and Arizona) on the bottom with the Maryland , Tennessee, and Pennsylvania at the docks obviously being repaired.

We saw the Cassen at the dock literally torn in two by a magazine explosion.

Apparently the U.S. doesn't believe in putting out the straight dope. Of course you can see that the people wouldn't like to hear that five of their eight battleships are sitting on the bottom.

Moored along side the Salt Lake City. Condition III to be maintained in port.

[Page 71]

Had a big conference in wardroom to square away on everything. Everyone is to get one day in four ashore from 0900-1700. All married men get off tomorrow so I get off day after tomorrow. We will stand one in four Condition III watches.

The uniform for men on all ships seems to be dungarees, while even the O.O.D's [Officer of the Day] are wearing khakis. All officers are carring pistols. The Louisville is staying as before though.

December

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Citation : [Diary of Charles P. Trumbull], 7-16 December 1941, Charles Pendelton Trumbull Papers.
Location : East Carolina Manuscript Collection, Special Collections, Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 USA
Call Number : Charles Pendelton Trumbull Papers #829.3.12. Display Collection Guide

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Center for Digital Projects | Special Collections | Joyner Library | East Carolina University

Citation :	[Diary of Charles P. Trumbull], 7-16 December 1941, Charles Pendelton Trumbull Papers.
Location :	East Carolina Manuscript Collection, Special Collections, Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 USA
Call Number :	Charles Pendelton Trumbull Papers #829.3.12. Display Collection Guide


Exhibit Tools Search Browse Contact Us About the Exhibits Contributors User Information About the Collage	Day of Infamy Exhibit War Begins First Reactions Second Wave Striking Back Smaller Ships News Spreads Looking Back