Pearl Harbor And The Fate Of The Many Brothers Aboard The USS Arizona

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the world stood still as the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack led to the United States' entry into World War II and the loss of many lives. Among the casualties were the brave men who served aboard the USS Arizona, including numerous brothers who fought side by side in defense of their country.

The USS Arizona was a battleship of the United States Navy and the flagship of the Pacific Fleet. It was moored in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked, and unfortunately, it suffered a direct hit from a bomb. The resulting explosion caused tremendous damage, leading to the sinking of the ship and the tragic loss of 1,177 crew members.

What makes the fate of the USS Arizona even more heartbreaking is that among those who perished were a significant number of brothers. These siblings had enlisted together, served together, and tragically lost their lives together. The bond between siblings is strong, and it's unimaginable the pain and grief their families endured upon receiving the devastating news.

Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and the Fate of the Many Brothers Aboard the USS Arizona

by Walter R. Borneman(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages
File size	:	43991 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

One such pair of brothers was John and Richard Sullivan. The Sullivan brothers, hailing from Waterloo, Iowa, all joined the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They requested to serve together despite regulations prohibiting siblings from serving on the same ship. Unfortunately, all five brothers would ultimately lose their lives when the USS Juneau, on which they served, was sunk during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Another heart-wrenching story involves the brothers of the Ponzio family from Massachusetts. Anthony, Joseph, John, and Frank Ponzio were all aboard the USS Arizona when it was attacked. None of them survived the devastating explosion and subsequent sinking of the ship. The loss of four brothers from one family was an unimaginable tragedy that sent shockwaves throughout their community.

These are just two examples among many. The USS Arizona and the fate of the brothers aboard serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless families during times of war. As we remember the events of that fateful day at Pearl Harbor, we should also honor the bravery and dedication of these brothers who fought together and ultimately gave their lives for their country. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Remembering The Heroes

Today, the USS Arizona remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, serving as a memorial to those who lost their lives. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken battleship, allows visitors to pay their respects and learn more about the events of that tragic day. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave men and the impact of war on families.

The memorial also serves as a place of reflection and remembrance. Visitors can witness the oil still leaking from the sunken ship, known as "the tears of the Arizona," creating a solemn atmosphere that reminds us of the lives lost and the ongoing legacy of that fateful day in December 1941.

Every year on December 7th, a ceremony is held at the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the victims of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's a time for survivors, family members, and the public to come together and remember those who gave their lives. The ceremony includes moments of silence, wreath-laying, and speeches, ensuring that the memory of the brave brothers who served aboard the USS Arizona lives on.

The Legacy Lives On

The legacy of the USS Arizona and the brothers who perished that day is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. Their sacrifice serves as a catalyst for ensuring that the lessons of Pearl Harbor are never forgotten.

Today, we continue to honor and remember these heroes through memorials, museums, and educational programs. Their stories are shared with younger generations, keeping their memory alive for years to come. The USS Arizona and the brothers aboard will forever hold a significant place in American history.

Let us remember the brave brothers who fought courageously and stood united on the deck of the USS Arizona. They were bound by blood, love, and commitment to their country. Their sacrifice will always be a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and the Fate of the Many Brothers Aboard the USS Arizona

by Walter R. Borneman(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages
File size	:	43991 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

A deeply personal and never-before-told account of one of America's darkest days, from the bestselling author of The Admirals and MacArthur at War.

The surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 remains one of the most traumatic events in American history. America's battleship fleet was crippled, thousands of lives were lost, and the United States was propelled into a world war. Few realize that aboard the iconic, ill-fated USS Arizona were an incredible seventy-nine blood relatives. Tragically, in an era when family members serving together was an accepted, even encouraged, practice, sixty-three of the Arizona's 1,177 dead turned out to be brothers.

In Brothers Down, acclaimed historian Walter R. Borneman returns to that critical week of December, masterfully guiding us on an unforgettable journey of sacrifice and heroism, all told through the lives of these brothers and their fateful experience on the Arizona. Weaving in the heartbreaking stories of the parents, wives, and sweethearts who wrote to and worried about these men, Borneman draws from a treasure trove of unpublished source material to bring to vivid life the minor decisions that became a matter of life or death when the bombs began to fall. More than just an account of familial bonds and national heartbreak, what emerges promises to define a turning point in American military history.