The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Showing posts with label USS Arizona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USS Arizona. Show all posts
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Some Pearl Harbor Survivors Return to Day of Infamy Commemoration, Some Don't
From the December 6, 2019, CNN International "Just 1 of 3 living Pearl Harbor survivors will be able to attend a ceremony marking the attack's 78th anniversary" by Leah Asmelash.
Lou Conter, 98, is in Pearl Harbor today. He is one of just three survivors of the USS Arizona still living. The USS Arizona had the single biggest loss of life in the attack, Just 334 men survived the attack. 1,177 died that day. Now, there are just three of those 334 still alive.
The other two survivors, Donald Stratton (97) and Ken Potts (99) were not well enough to attend.
Two Arizona survivors died in 2019: Lonnie Cook in July and Lauren Bruner in September.
--GreGen
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
It Was 75 Years Ago: Pearl Harbor "Almost on the USS Arizona"
A date I commemorate in all of my blogs, regardless of what they are about.
From the Youngstown Ohio Pearl Harbor Survivors Profiles.
ANTONE T. "CAL' CALDERONE Jackson Township near Massillon.
Played tuba and string bass on the USS West Virginia. In combat he was on communications and damage control.
"I almost got killed on the Arizona. On December 6, there was a battle of the bands but the USS West Virginia did not participate because we were on guard duty. But the Tennessee band played, and they picked me up. After playing, the Tennessee band officer asked me to say and my officer said no.
"The Arizona band took me to the West Virginia and as they pulled alongside I wished them a merry Christmas. If my officer had not denied me permission to stay, I would have been in the Arizona band compartment on December 7. It took a direct hit and they lost everybody. To this day, I can't forget it."
Not Forgetting One Bit.
From the Youngstown Ohio Pearl Harbor Survivors Profiles.
ANTONE T. "CAL' CALDERONE Jackson Township near Massillon.
Played tuba and string bass on the USS West Virginia. In combat he was on communications and damage control.
"I almost got killed on the Arizona. On December 6, there was a battle of the bands but the USS West Virginia did not participate because we were on guard duty. But the Tennessee band played, and they picked me up. After playing, the Tennessee band officer asked me to say and my officer said no.
"The Arizona band took me to the West Virginia and as they pulled alongside I wished them a merry Christmas. If my officer had not denied me permission to stay, I would have been in the Arizona band compartment on December 7. It took a direct hit and they lost everybody. To this day, I can't forget it."
Not Forgetting One Bit.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sabine Pass Battlefield-- Part 5-- Oh, Really?
Continuing with ships at the battle.
GOOD STORY, BUT NOT BUYING IT
Iron-hulled, side wheel steamer. 200 feet long, 34 feet beam, 6 guns.
The SS Arizona was completed in 1859 and carried passengers and freight from New Orleans to the Brazos River.
On January 15, 1862, it was seized by the Confederates and became the blockade-runner Caroline. On October 28, 1862the USS Montgomery gave it a six hour chase and captured it. The Caroline's commander said that he was bound for neutral Matamoras, Mexico, not Mobile. The Montgomery's commander replied, "I do not take you for running the blockade, but for your damned poor navigation. Any man bound for Matamoras from Havana and coming within twelve miles of the Mobile Light has no business to have a steamer."
Well, it was worth a shot, I guess.
USS ARIZONA
It was sent to Philadelphia, condemned, and bought by the US Navy in January 1863, and had its original name restored. It was among the US ships that attacked the CSS Queen of the West. On September 8, 1863, the Arizona took part in the Texas Channel action with the Clifton and Granite City. It was then at the Sabine Pass battle.
On February 27, 1865, a fir broke out aboard and it exploded and sank. Out of a crew of 98, only four were missing.
Some Interesting Naval Stories. --Old B-R
GOOD STORY, BUT NOT BUYING IT
Iron-hulled, side wheel steamer. 200 feet long, 34 feet beam, 6 guns.
The SS Arizona was completed in 1859 and carried passengers and freight from New Orleans to the Brazos River.
On January 15, 1862, it was seized by the Confederates and became the blockade-runner Caroline. On October 28, 1862the USS Montgomery gave it a six hour chase and captured it. The Caroline's commander said that he was bound for neutral Matamoras, Mexico, not Mobile. The Montgomery's commander replied, "I do not take you for running the blockade, but for your damned poor navigation. Any man bound for Matamoras from Havana and coming within twelve miles of the Mobile Light has no business to have a steamer."
Well, it was worth a shot, I guess.
USS ARIZONA
It was sent to Philadelphia, condemned, and bought by the US Navy in January 1863, and had its original name restored. It was among the US ships that attacked the CSS Queen of the West. On September 8, 1863, the Arizona took part in the Texas Channel action with the Clifton and Granite City. It was then at the Sabine Pass battle.
On February 27, 1865, a fir broke out aboard and it exploded and sank. Out of a crew of 98, only four were missing.
Some Interesting Naval Stories. --Old B-R
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