World War II Database

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1. Immediately the attack on Pearl Harbor was observed, the crew manned battle stations and enemy aircraft were brought under fire with main and .50 caliber batteries. A vigorous and spirited fire was maintained.
2. During firing, and without interruption to the service of the guns, preparations for getting underway were made, and the ship stood out of harbor at 0900.
3. It is reasonably certain that at least one enemy plane was shot down by our fire.
4. The plane claimed by this ship was one observed diving on the USS Curtis, approaching from ahead. Our guns were firing at this plane. At an altitude of approximately 400 feet this plane was seen to fly apart at the same time a shot was fired by gun 2. The pieces dropped into the water just forward of the USS Curtis. No shell burst was observed. Apparently gun 2 scored a direct hit with a shell which failed to detonate. That this was so is based on the absence of any burst nearby at this instant and the belief that the sudden and complete disintegration of this plane could not have been caused by a hit from any small caliber gun.
5. When this plane was shot down the USS Patterson. was moored at berth X-11.
6. No damage was sustained by this ship.
7. Throughout the action, the conduct of the entire crew of this ship was exemplary. Battle Stations were promptly manned, a heavy volume of fire was maintained, and there was a minimum of confusion.
8. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Frank R. Walker, joined the ship, via small boat, approximately two miles south of Pearl Harbor entrance at 0930. Thereafter this ship operated under the command of Commander Destroyers Battle Force. After sortie no contacts with the enemy were made during this operating period.

[signed]
A.F. WHITE,
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy.

Frank R. Walker,
Lieutenant Commander,
U.S. Navy.