Childhood Memories of Pearl Harbor

Pat Campbell and Jimmy Lee were just children when they witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that dramatically altered the course of history. Though they were young, their memories of December 7, 1941, offer a unique and poignant perspective on a day that changed the world. These personal stories are a vital part of remembering the attack, ensuring that we preserve not only the military accounts but also the civilian experiences.

On the evening of December 6, 1941, 10-year-old Patsy (Pat) Campbell was completely unaware of the tragedy about to unfold. Like most children her age, she was enjoying a carefree evening, taking part in a jitterbug contest at Bloch Arena, just south of Pearl Harbor. Pat had a passion for dancing, and that night, the emcee noticed her enthusiasm and invited her to join the contest. She was paired with 17-year-old Jack Evans, a boy she had never met before. The two danced with joy and energy, and by the end of the night, they had won the jitterbug contest, taking home the trophy.
The following morning, Patsy woke up to a very different reality. The peaceful island she had known was under attack. As Japanese planes flew overhead and smoke rose from Pearl Harbor, Patsy’s father quickly ushered her, her mother, brother, and their dog to a neighbor’s house for safety. From the second-story window, they could see the devastation as fires raged, and explosions echoed from Hickam Field and the harbor. In shock, Patsy watched as Pearl Harbor was engulfed in flames, not fully understanding the magnitude of the situation but knowing that something terrible was happening.
For Patsy, the contrast between the joy of the previous night and the horror of that morning was jarring. She had a front-row seat to one of the most devastating attacks in American history, witnessing firsthand the destruction of her island home and the loss of more than 2,400 lives.

Like Patsy, 11-year-old Jimmy Lee had no idea what was about to happen on that fateful day. Living less than a mile away from Pearl Harbor on his family’s farm, Jimmy was accustomed to seeing American planes flying overhead. So, on the morning of December 7, 1941, when he noticed a fleet of aircraft passing above, he didn’t think much of it. He and his brothers were in the middle of their morning chores when they spotted the planes, and they rushed to the railroad tracks to get a better view.
What Jimmy and his brothers didn’t know was that these planes were not American—they were part of the Japanese attack force. As the boys watched in awe, the planes flew over Pearl Harbor and dropped their bombs. In an instant, the harbor erupted in smoke, flames, and chaos. The boys’ initial excitement turned to confusion and disbelief as they witnessed the destruction happening before their eyes.
At first, Jimmy and his brothers didn’t fully grasp the severity of the situation. They didn’t feel fear right away, as they were unfamiliar with military operations and war. It wasn’t until they learned that the nation was at war that the reality of the attack set in. The Lee family quickly fled their farm and took shelter in Waimalu Valley, hiding in the shadow of the mountains as the attack continued. For about an hour, they stayed hidden, listening to the distant sounds of explosions and gunfire.
When the attack finally subsided, Jimmy and his family returned to their farm. But the events of that day had a lasting impact on Jimmy, especially when he learned that his close friend and neighbor, Toshi Yamamoto, had disappeared. The Yamamoto family’s house was empty, and Jimmy never saw Toshi again. He never found out what happened to his friend after the attack, a loss that haunted him for years.

Both Patsy Campbell and Jimmy Lee continued to live in Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jimmy’s family remained on their farm, and as his older brothers became old enough to enlist, they joined the military. Jimmy, still too young, stayed behind and endured the challenges of martial law in Hawaii during the war. The attack on Pearl Harbor left a deep impression on him, inspiring him to join the Hawaii Air National Guard when he was old enough. His military career eventually took him to places like Germany, South Korea, Guam, Japan, and the mainland United States. However, throughout his life, Jimmy never reconnected with Toshi, and he always wondered what had happened to his friend.

The stories of Patsy Campbell and Jimmy Lee are a reminder that the attack on Pearl Harbor affected not only the military but also the civilians of Oahu. Their memories help keep the events of that day alive, providing a personal and emotional connection to the history of Pearl Harbor. Organizations like the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, which was active until 2011, played a crucial role in preserving these memories, and annual commemoration ceremonies continue to honor the survivors and victims of the attack.
As we remember Pearl Harbor, it’s important to listen to and share the stories of those who lived through it. Whether they were on the front lines or watching from their homes, their experiences offer valuable insight into the impact of that day. By preserving these memories, we ensure that the tragedy of Pearl Harbor remains a vital part of our nation’s history.