World War II Database

Editor's Note: The following content is a transcription of a period document or a collection of period statistics. It may be incomplete, inaccurate, or biased. The reader may not wish to take the content as factual.

Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
December 10, 1941.

1. In accordance with reference (a), the following report on the part that the U.S.S. Pyro played in the action during the Air-raid on Sunday December 7, 1941, as observed by the Commanding Officer who was on board from the start of events is submitted:
   1. The Pyro was secured alongside West Loch dock, starboard side to dock.
   2. At 0750-0755 noise of low flying aircraft passing over and close to the U.S.S. Pyro was heard followed very shortly by an explosion in Navy Yard area.
   3. A quick look through cabin port to westward disclosed two low wing monoplanes flying about 100 feet above water heading for Pyro's port beam. On approaching to within 500 yards the planes zoomed to clear ship and masts when the Japanese aircraft marking of a red circle was noted under each wing.
   4. That an enemy attack was in progress was instantly recognized and general quarters sounded and ammunition for the two 3"/50 caliber A.A. guns and 4.50 caliber and 2.30 caliber machine guns was started from the forward and after magazines. Main engines were ordered to prepare to get underway.
   5. All planes which approached close enough were taken under fire starting about 0820.
   6. At about 0912 one dive bomber approached from the port bow at altitude of 500 feet and released a bomb which landed on the concrete dock about 12 feet from ship's side amidships. It penetrated the concrete and exploded underneath jarring the ship heavily resulting in damage given later.
   7. This plane was under fire from 2.50 caliber, 1.30 caliber and Browning Machine guns which no doubt caused the pilot to miss and it is believed that hits were scored on this plane.
   8. At 0832 two enemy planes were seen to crash and burst into flames in the direction Barber's Point. The pilots were seen descending in parachutes.
2. Damage to Japanese: Airplane hit by Machine gun bullets.
3. Damage to ship:
   1. Casting in steam line to starboard circulator carried away. Repaired by ship's force.
   2. Relief valve on fuel oil heater carried away. Repaired by ship's force.
   3. Supporting casting of auxiliary Air and Circulating pumps under Auxiliary Condenser fractured in several places. Probably beyond repair. Main condenser is used instead.
4. All officers and enlisted men behaved splendidly. They performed their duties under machine gun fire and bombing in a cool and efficient manner.

[signed]
NOCHOLAS VYTLACIL.