World War II Database

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At Sea, 13 December 1941.

1. During the raid on Pearl Harbor the U.S.S. Dewey was moored in a nest with Destroyer Division One and the Phelps alongside the port side of the Dobbin at berth Xray-2, under tender overhaul.
2. The time of the following events are approximate:

   0755	-	Utah observed torpedoed by OSBORN, G.E. GM2c and to list rapidly.
   0757	-	General Quarters sounded.
   0802	-	Four 50 caliber machine guns firing at planes attacking battleships and Ford Island. (Gunner's Mates cocking and installing firing locks on 5"/38 caliber guns).
   0810	-	Guns #1, #2, #3 and #5 -- 5"/38 caliber guns firing local control; director manned and directing local control of guns. No power on ship.
   0900	-	Second wave of attack started by light bombers which lasted 10 minutes. Under fire by Dewey throughout attack.
   0945	-	Third wave of attack started by dive bombers. in this attack the Dobbin and Destroyer Division one became a target, three or four planes attacking the nest. One bomb hit close aboard starboard quarter of the Dobbin and one hit water between Hull and Dewey about 75 feet astern. No damage sustained by these close hits.

3. All of the action was astern. However, Guns #1 and #2 and forward machine guns fired when not blanked off by Dobbin or upper works in the nest. The bridge force fired automatic rifles and rifles.Damage sustained -- None.
   Damage inflicted on enemy -- It is believed that DesDiv One destroyed two planes. Since guns in local control, unable to determine which bursts actually hit these planes.
   Ammunition expended -- 75 rounds 5"/38 caliber, 1300 rounds .50 caliber.
4. Immediate steps were taken to prepare the ship for getting underway and this work continued throughout the attack. Dewey was underway standing out at 1505.
5. There was no distinguished conduct on board. All hands were notably self-controlled and as expected, performed their duties with credit.

[signed]
A.J. DETZER.