DAVIS/MORGAN COUNTY—Monday, Dec. 8, 1941, may not hold as much significance in the history books as Dec. 7, but for many of the Greatest Generation, that day was just as life-changing. While many heard quick broadcasts that Pearl Harbor had been attacked on Dec. 7, President Roosevelt’s famous speech would be given 79 years ago this very day, catapulting the United States into the most deadly conflict in modern history.

Many enlisted or were drafted soon thereafter, but there were many notable exceptions, including here in Davis and Morgan Counties, who enlisted before the outbreak of war, and who would have had no idea that an attack was coming. For many, Hawaii was seen as the safest possible assignment: war was boiling already in the Atlantic, and the lend-lease program had already sent plenty of equipment that way.

Nothing was supposed to happen in the Pacific.

The surprise attack on Dec. 7 cost 2,403 lives, both military and civilian, and caught the United States completely unawares. Of the many Utahns at Pearl Harbor that day, a handful were from Davis County, and most survived the horrific attack, and served with distinction in World War II thereafter. 

Pharmacist Mate 3c, Heber A. Holbrook of Syracuse was aboard the USS San Francisco at the time, a small cruiser. Most of the armament was in unusable condition, which was why the San Francisco was at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. Holbrook’s ship fared better than most, and came out of the attack still in shape for service, with many of her crew firing back at her attackers with whatever arms they could. Holbrook survived and went on to write a book about his experiences aboard the San Francisco.

Merril G. Hatch, a Lieutenant in the 64 Field Artillery at the time, was stationed at Schofield. Hatch, a native of Morgan, and Bountiful had been married only a few months when he and his wife were woken by the sounds of battle. Schofield Barracks, though not a naval or air target, was across the way from Wheeler Field. Hatch’s quarters and others at Schofield were peppered with machine gun fire from the Japanese air forces, and many took up what few arms were available, and began firing back. Hatch survived, was promoted, and lived out the rest of his life with family and friends. 

Jared Fearnley Brown, of Bountiful was a Chief Warrant Officer 3, on the USS Balch. Brown’s ship was scheduled to refit and refuel at Pearl on Dec. 7, but, due to weather conditions was delayed one day, but received word of the attack just north of Oahu. The following day, Dec. 8, the USS Balch was on patrol of the entire area, her crew now fully engaged in the war effort. Brown survived the war and made it home.

Nuel Howard Bambrough of Syracuse was stationed at the Naval Air Station at Pearl Harbor. Bambrough was a Seaman 2c at the time of the attack, but wouldn’t stay that rank for long. Though the details are unknown, Bambrough was part of rescue efforts made on Dec. 7 and the days following and distinguished himself to the degree that he earned both a citation and a promotion. He later became an engineer on a captain’s gig. Bambrough survived and came home.

Herbert and Albert Dickson were twins from Morgan Utah, and like many during that time, had ties to both Davis and Morgan counties. Both twins were aboard the USS California, which was docked at Pearl and took a severe beating from torpedoes, bombs, and machine gun fire. The California was another ship that was able to ready her arms and return fire before she sank in the shallow waters of the harbor. She was salvaged and refitted and saw service later in the war. Both twins survived and made their way home.

The last name is one that deserves special recognition. Charles William White, born in Salt Lake, and raised in Bountiful was a talented musician. So talented that, after graduating from Davis High, he joined the Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra at BYU. He enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Musician 2c Charles William White is one of the 1,177 who died on the Arizona, leaving behind a wife, Mary Myrlene Richins White, and a one-year-old daughter. 

“The Black Tears” of oil seep from the wreckage of the USS Arizona, ever since the attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Photo by Braden Nelsen

Remember Pearl Harbor.