Harry Simoneaux: Pearl Harbor and the War in the Pacific

The morning of December 7, 1941, began like any other for Harry Simoneaux, a damage control officer aboard the destroyer tender USS Whitney (AD-4). Clad in his dress whites, Simoneaux was preparing to attend Sunday church services onshore, unaware that his life—and the course of history—was about to change forever. Moments before 8:00 AM, the peaceful harbor erupted in chaos as Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

I saw airplanes coming over,” Simoneaux later recalled. “It looked like they were dropping sandbags.” Those “sandbags,” however, were deadly bombs and torpedoes unleashed by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. Within moments, explosions tore through the harbor, and machine gun fire peppered the area. Nearby, a hangar exploded, forcing Simoneaux and others to hit the deck for cover.
As a damage control officer, Simoneaux couldn’t afford the luxury of shock. Amid the devastation, he received urgent orders to assist the heavily damaged USS Arizona (BB-39), engulfed in flames. Tragically, just as Simoneaux and his team prepared to board the Arizona, he witnessed a direct hit that sealed the battleship’s fate. “I saw a bomb go right into it. It was destroyed,” he recounted. Overwhelmed by the destruction, Simoneaux turned to prayer: “Please spare me to live so I can go back and kill some Japanese.”

Whether through divine intervention or sheer luck, Harry Simoneaux survived that fateful day. The harrowing sights and sounds of the attack, however, were etched into his memory forever. Determined to fight back, Simoneaux continued to serve in the Pacific Theater, taking on critical roles in some of the war’s most intense battles.

Simoneaux’s service carried him to the destroyer USS Worden (DD-352). In January 1943, disaster struck again when the Worden ran aground on rocks near Constantine Harbor in the Aleutian Islands. The ship broke apart and sank, leaving its crew stranded in the freezing waters. Hypothermia quickly set in, and Simoneaux began to lose consciousness.

“It was so cold. I had made my peace with the Lord and went under,” Simoneaux later recalled. Yet fate intervened. A vigilant sailor from a rescue vessel spotted the faint movement of Simoneaux’s fingers and pulled him from the frigid waters.

After surviving near-death experiences at Pearl Harbor and in the Aleutian Islands, Simoneaux continued to serve with distinction throughout the Pacific War. His bravery and dedication earned him multiple commendations, including three bronze stars and two silver stars.
Despite the horrors he faced, Simoneaux made it to the war’s conclusion. On September 2, 1945, he stood aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Harbor as the Japanese delegation signed the official surrender documents. It was a moment of triumph and closure for a man who had endured so much.

Harry Simoneaux’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty. From witnessing the destruction of Pearl Harbor to surviving the icy waters of the Aleutian Islands, his experiences highlight the sacrifices made by those who served in World War II.
Simoneaux’s hearing was damaged during the war, a small price he paid for a life of service. He lived a long and fulfilling life after the war, sharing his incredible story with future generations. When he passed away in 2012, he left behind a legacy of heroism that continues to inspire.

Simoneaux’s story is a testament to the bravery of the men and women who stood against adversity on that infamous day. The attack on Pearl Harbor not only marked a turning point in history but also brought out the extraordinary courage of individuals like Harry Simoneaux, whose quick thinking and determination saved countless lives.
As we remember the events of December 7, 1941, and the sacrifices of those who served, Harry Simoneaux’s tale serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.