Experiencing Pearl Harbor Without Seeing It

When we think of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, our minds often conjure up images of sailors desperately scrambling on decks, trying to abandon ship or take up arms against the onslaught of Japanese bombers. It’s hard to imagine experiencing such a monumental event without directly witnessing the chaos unfolding. But not every sailor was in the thick of the action. Many, like Orville Montgomery, a sailor aboard USS Maryland (BB-46), found themselves below deck, unaware of the full scale of destruction.

Orville Montgomery was in the middle of his breakfast when the first explosions shook USS Maryland. Though the ship he was on had not been struck, the blasts came from the nearby USS Oklahoma (BB-37), which was anchored alongside. The rocking of the Maryland was Montgomery’s first sign that something was amiss. It would be the only physical connection he had to the attack, as Montgomery remained below deck throughout the entire assault.

As a part of the damage control station crew, Montgomery was stationed well below the waterline, where he couldn’t see the damage or understand the full scale of the attack. Instead, he and his fellow crew members could only hear the muffled sounds of explosions and the tearing of metal above them. They were essentially blind to the attack that was devastating Pearl Harbor.

For hours, Montgomery worked in the dark, with no visual understanding of what was unfolding above. Despite knowing that his ship had been rocked by explosions, he remained isolated from the chaos outside. Had USS Maryland been struck a deadly blow, there would have been little chance of escape for Montgomery and his crew, as they were so deep within the ship.

Imagine the agony of being part of one of the most significant moments in U.S. history without seeing the catastrophic events unfolding around you. Visitors to Pearl Harbor today can experience something similar when touring the Battleship Missouri (BB-63). Being inside this World War II-era battleship offers a glimpse into what it might have felt like for sailors like Montgomery, cut off from the outside world, unaware of the devastation that had already occurred.

Though USS Maryland had been hit by two bombs, the damage wasn’t enough to sink the mighty battleship. Unfortunately, two officers and two crew members lost their lives, but Maryland remained afloat. Around 11:00 AM, Montgomery was finally relieved from his post. As he made his way to the top deck, the reality of the attack hit him with full force.

It was then that Montgomery saw the oil-slicked waters, the sunken USS Arizona (BB-39), and the capsized USS Oklahoma. The devastation was overwhelming. As Montgomery recalled, “It was a sight you don’t forget.”

Orville Montgomery’s experience serves as a reminder that not all who lived through the attack on Pearl Harbor had the same perspective. While many sailors fought bravely on the front lines, others like Montgomery experienced the events in isolation, waiting to understand the scope of what had just occurred. This fascinating contrast in experiences highlights the range of human responses to one of history’s most pivotal moments.

By visiting Pearl Harbor and experiencing the history up close, modern-day visitors can better understand the diverse ways in which individuals experienced the attack. Through Montgomery’s eyes, we can appreciate the isolation and fear felt by those who, although they didn’t see the destruction, lived through the turmoil that changed the world forever.