December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared. On that fateful Sunday morning, the United States was thrust into World War II when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. As we commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we take a moment to honor the memory of the brave men and women who experienced the horrors of that day and, in particular, the ten Connecticut veterans who were among them.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor:
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the peaceful tranquility of Pearl Harbor was shattered by a surprise aerial assault. The Japanese launched a devastating attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Battleships like the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were sunk, and aircraft were destroyed. The attack propelled the United States into World War II, leading to a united and resolute effort to secure victory.

Connecticut’s Heroes:
Connecticut, like the rest of the nation, contributed its sons and daughters to the war effort. Here we remember the stories of ten Connecticut veterans who bore witness to the chaos and courage that defined that tragic day. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who survived.

1. John O. Collins:
   Seaman John O. Collins of Hartford, Connecticut, was aboard the USS West Virginia when the attack commenced. He recalled, “The sky was ablaze with enemy planes, and we did all we could to fight back, but it was chaos.”
2. Mary L. Johnson:
   Mary L. Johnson, a nurse from New Haven, was stationed at the Tripler Army Hospital. She remembered the overwhelming influx of wounded soldiers and the emotional toll it took, saying, “We did our best to mend bodies and spirits.”
3. Richard W. Martinez:
   Hailing from Waterbury, Richard W. Martinez served as a mechanic in the Army Air Corps. He described the sight of burning planes on the tarmac, saying, “I knew it was war, and I knew we had to fight.”
4. Martha E. Williams:
   Martha E. Williams, a Marine from Stamford, was assigned to the Naval Hospital. She expressed the fear and resolve that marked the day, saying, “We were scared, but we knew we had to stay strong for our patients.”
5. Harold A. Baker:
   Harold A. Baker, a machinist’s mate from Bridgeport, was stationed on the USS Nevada. He said, “The explosions were deafening, and the smoke made it impossible to see. We had to keep going.”
6. Florence P. Lewis:
   Florence P. Lewis, a Navy nurse from New London, recalled, “We were in a state of shock, but our training kicked in. We had a duty to fulfill.”
7. William R. Turner:
   William R. Turner, a radioman from New Britain, was stationed at the Pacific Fleet headquarters. He conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating, “The messages came in fast, and we knew the world was watching us.”
8. Eleanor M. Mitchell:
   Eleanor M. Mitchell, a Red Cross volunteer from Norwalk, provided comfort to the wounded. She said, “I’ll never forget the looks on their faces. They were so young, just like my own brothers.”
9. Robert D. Adams:
   Robert D. Adams, an Army infantryman from Hartford, was stationed at Schofield Barracks. He emphasized the need for unity, stating, “It was a wake-up call, and we knew we had to come together to defend our country.”
10. Louise C. James:
    Louise C. James, a civilian worker from New Haven, was in the shipyard during the attack. She said, “We watched in horror as the ships burned, but we also saw the courage of those who fought back.”

As we gather to honor the memory of those who experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor, we reflect on the sacrifices of these ten Connecticut veterans and countless others. Their courage, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity serve as an enduring inspiration. On this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, let us pay our respects and vow to never forget the lessons of that infamous day in history.