December 7, 1941
One sailor’s story
Harry Lynn Malson
Shopkeeper, 3c, USS Arizona
Posthumous awards:
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
WW2 Victory Medal
December 7, 1941 – a date that will live in infamy
“So we are going to win the war and we are going to win the peace that follows.
“And in the difficult hours of this day — through dark days that may be yet to come — we will know that the vast majority of the members of the human race are on our side. Many of them are fighting with us. All of them are praying for us. But, in representing our cause, we represent theirs as well — our hope and their hope for liberty under God.”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, December 9, 1941
Source: National Archives
These are unedited letters home from one sailor that served for five years aboard the USS Arizona. He enlisted at 17.
He died December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor.
All official naval movements mentioned are highlighted throughout.
For a complete list of all casualties and survivors of the USS Arizona please see: