Looking back on Dec. 7, 1941

HAZEL DELL — For Ralph Laedtke and Paul Johnson, Dec. 7 eventually became a day for reflection and remembering the fallen.

But 75 years ago, Dec. 7, 1941, was all about reaction and returning fire.

The two local Pearl Harbor survivors each took a moment to look back on that day during Wednesday morning’s observance of the 75th anniversary of the attack that pushed the United States into World War II.

Johnson, 98, was a crewman on the USS Castor, a transport ship that had just delivered 10,000 tons of ammunition to the American military base. Laedtke was a pharmacist’s mate and medical records technician on the USS Solace, a hospital ship.

Laedtke, a Washougal resident, was planning an anniversary double-header Wednesday, going from the event in Hazel Dell to a remembrance in Washougal.

“Pearl Harbor is very important for me; the highlight of my life, I guess,” Laedtke, 96, said. “I’m glad I lived. It was a hospital ship, and we were not targeted.”

The attack killed more than 2,400 sailors, soldiers and Marines.

Laedtke helped get the 480-bed hospital ship ready for combat casualties. Later that day, he was sent to the ship’s morgue to fingerprint bodies of men that had no identification, and he prepared death certificates.

Johnson and his USS Castor shipmates tried to fight back, but ammunition for their guns was locked up. Johnson, a gunner’s mate second class, had to unlock the armory so the gun crews could load their weapons and return fire.

That day was the start of 3 1/2 years of war, with memories of their own.

“Other stuff keeps coming back, like Iwo Jima,” Johnson said.

As sailors, Johnson and his shipmates weren’t part of the invasion force, but they were sent ashore to clear bodies from the beach so more men and supplies could land.

Lillian Christina, another attendee who shared Pearl Harbor memories, saw the attack from a different perspective. She was a 9-year-old schoolgirl whose father was stationed at the naval base.

She recalled radio broadcasts ordering all military personnel to report to their duty stations.

The kids also were affected when things such as American Red Cross activities took priority in their school building.

“Many classes were held outdoors,” Christina said. “But it was Hawaii, so it didn’t matter.”

The event at the 40 et 8 bingo hall was presented by the Pacific Northwest Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. The group keeps alive the memory of that day, as well as America’s response.

Penny Ross’ father was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at Pearl Harbor. As chief engineer on the USS Nevada, Donald Ross kept the crippled battleship under power so it could be beached, rather than sinking in the harbor.

“We must keep America alert,” Penny Ross said.