Entry #4

I was commended by the Navy Frank Knox. I received the Navy Cross, which Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitiz, the commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet personally presented to me on board aircraft carrier USS Enterprise for his extraordinary courage in battle. Nimitiz said "This marks the first time in this conflict that sud high tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a member of his race and I'm sure that the future will see others similarly honored for brave acts." I remember exactly what he said. I was so excited and proud of myself. I believed that I did excellent when we were attacked. Besides that Navy Cross I was entitled to the Purple Heart Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Becoming a Sailor has changed my life. I have traveled a lot since the attack I was reported to USS Indianapolis, then returned to the west coast of the United States. When I was assigned to the constructed USS Liscome Bay I was on board that escort carrier during Operation Galvanic, the seizure of Making and Tarawa Atolls in the Gilbert Islands. Liscome Bay's aircraft supported operations ashore for about a week. At 5:10 a.m., while cruising near Butaritari Island, a single torpedo from Japanese submarine I-175 struck the escort carrier near the stern. The aircraft bomb magazine detonated a few moments later, sinking the warship within minutes. I am hurt and I hope I will survive this...





I am the first African American hero of World War II, and I'm honored for my participation at Pearl Harbor.