December 7th 2024.
Audrey McAvoy, a writer for the Associated Press, shares the incredible story of Bob Fernandez - a 100-year-old Navy veteran who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bob had joined the U.S. Navy at the young age of 17 with dreams of traveling the world and dancing. Little did he know, just four months later, he would find himself in the middle of a terrifying and chaotic battle.
On that fateful December morning in 1941, Bob was on board the USS Curtiss, a Navy ship stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. He had been working as a mess cook, serving breakfast to his fellow sailors, when he heard an alarm sound. Looking out a porthole, he saw a plane with the red ball insignia of the Japanese military flying by. It wasn't until then that he realized they were under attack.
With explosions and gunfire all around him, Bob quickly sprang into action. He rushed down to the magazine room where he and other sailors waited for someone to unlock a door storing ammunition. As they passed the ammunition to the ship's guns, some of Bob's fellow sailors were praying and crying. He could feel the fear and uncertainty in the air.
Despite the chaos, Bob remained focused on his task. He didn't see himself as a hero, just an ammunition passer. But his actions that day were heroic nonetheless. The Curtiss was hit by multiple Japanese planes, and Bob's quick actions helped keep the guns firing and the ship afloat.
Unfortunately, the Curtiss did not escape unscathed. 21 men lost their lives and nearly 60 were injured. Bob and his fellow sailors were left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their comrades. But as Bob reflects, "we never know what's going to happen in a war."
After the attack, Bob had to help clean up the debris and stand guard with a rifle to protect the ship. That night, he even fell asleep next to where the ship's dead were lying, exhausted from the day's events. It was a somber reminder of the sacrifices made in war.
Despite the trauma and tragedy of that day, Bob went on to live a full and happy life. He worked as a forklift driver, got married, and raised three sons and a stepdaughter. In 2014, his wife of 65 years passed away. But at 100 years old, Bob still enjoys dancing and even goes out once a week to a nearby restaurant. His favorite song? Frank Sinatra's "All of Me."
Bob has returned to Hawaii three times to participate in the annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony. This year, on the 83rd anniversary of the attack, he had planned to go back once again. But due to health issues, he had to cancel his trip. Nevertheless, his spirit and resilience continue to inspire those around him.
As we honor and remember the brave men and women who were at Pearl Harbor that day, let us also never forget the sacrifices made by veterans like Bob Fernandez. They may not see themselves as heroes, but their bravery and selflessness will always be remembered.
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