On the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, Bob Fernandez, now 100, recalls the chaos and confusion of that fateful day in 1941 when Japanese forces struck the U.S. Navy base in Hawaii. Fernandez, who enlisted in the Navy at 17, never expected his first months of military life would be marked by a surprise bombing that plunged the U.S. into World War II.
On December 7, 1941, after just four months in the Navy, Fernandez experienced the horror firsthand as he passed ammunition to his ship’s artillery crews. He described the moment vividly, highlighting his bewilderment: “We didn’t know we were in a war,” he said, relaying feelings of fear and confusion amidst the explosions.
This Saturday, two centenarian survivors were set to return to Pearl Harbor to honor the memory of those lost. However, Fernandez had to cancel due to health complications. The attack claimed over 2,300 American lives, with 1,177 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Arizona alone still entombed within the sunken ship’s remains.
A remembrance ceremony, hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service, will feature a moment of silence at 7:54 a.m., the exact time the attack began, followed by an aerial tribute in missing man formation. The number of surviving Pearl Harbor veterans continues to dwindle, with only 16 left, according to a state record.
While many regard survivors like Fernandez as heroes, he humbly dismisses this notion, attributing his role to that of an “ammunition passer.” Recalling the events of that day, he mentioned the dread felt among his fellow sailors as they awaited orders amidst gunfire, notably sharing the toll of the attack on his ship, the USS Curtiss, which suffered casualties, including 21 men killed and nearly 60 injured.
After the war, Fernandez transitioned into civilian life, becoming a forklift driver and later enjoying dancing in his free time. Despite the hardships of his past, he continues to find joy in life, frequently dancing to his favorite tunes, proving that the spirit of resilience remains vibrant within him.
While the remembrance of Pearl Harbor may bring forth a somber reflection on loss and sacrifice, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and courage displayed by those in the face of adversity. The legacy of survivors like Bob Fernandez will inspire future generations to cherish peace and honor those who served.
In summary, Bob Fernandez’s account of the Pearl Harbor attack not only sheds light on the experience of a young sailor thrust into war but also encapsulates a broader narrative of resilience and remembrance as we honor those who gave their lives.