World War II Database

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1. The start of the air raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 was first seen on this vessel by Bowe, Walter E., G.M.2c, USN, who immediately manned the after 50 calibre Machine Guns of this vessel. Almost simultaneously (at 0757) the quartermaster on watch (Robert Burns, Sea.1c, USN) on the bridge sounded the general alarm. Before the general alarm started ringing Bowe was firing one of the after machine guns. It is believed from numerous reports and comments by personnel of this and other ships that Bowe fired the first shot fired by the American Forces in Pearl Harbor.
2. The entire crew with the exception of about 3 men and 4 officers were on board. The Executive Officer, Lieutenant W.H. Watson, USN, was the senior officer on board. The entire battery was manned. This vessel being nested alongside the tender, U.S.S. Whitney, 5" gun No. 3 could not be fired. However all other guns and 50 caliber machine guns were manned and fired at attacking planes during all attacks. Ensign Lee D. Goolsby, USN, served in the capacity of Gunnery Officer. There were no losses to the personnel nor damage to materiel of this vessel.
3. It is believed that this vessel shot down 3 or 4 enemy planes. It is further believed that one, possibly 2 of the planes shot down were brought down by Bowe on the after machine gun.
4. The performance of all personnel of this vessel was outstanding and in the best traditions of the naval service. The quick action of Bowe on his own initiative was particularly outstanding.

[signed]
W.R. TERRLELL.