Statement of Ensign Statement of John A. Doherty, CGM:
From: USS Arizona Action Report - 13 December 1941
I was in the chief's quarter when the air raid alarm sounded. At the same time I heard something hit. I went immediately to my battle station ? which is the A.A. Battery. When I arrived on the boat deck, I saw the forecastle waving up and down and fire and smoke coming up through seams of the deck.
I went to the port side to see if the ammunition hoists were rigged and they were okay. I then went to the starboard side and the crew was rigging No. 1-3 hoist for hoisting ammunition.
I noticed No. 3 gun wasn't firing due to safety bearing when the foot firing mechanism cut out. I was then shocked and surrounded by smoke and flames. I was backing away from the smoke and I can't remember much from then on.
I was in the water and was helped in a boat and from there to a hospital.
Only man dead and I'm not sure was Anderson, BM2c I think was hit by machine gun bullets.
Printer Friendly Version (Opens in New Window)
Return to Survivor Stories Index
NOTE: All stories, photos, etc. are the property of the individuals by whom they were submitted and may not be reprinted or used for any reason without the written consent of the owner.
CONTENT MAY ALSO BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT (17 U.S.C. § 107 & § 108 (a)(3)).
Email for further information. Thank you.
