Heroes of the Harbor: Robert R. Scott

On an otherwise calm Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, seemed like an ordinary day for the sailors stationed at Pearl Harbor. Among them was Machinist’s Mate First Class Robert R. Scott, serving aboard the USS California. At 26 years old, Scott and his fellow crew members were enjoying the early hours, unaware that a storm of historic proportions was about to unfold. In a matter of moments, the quiet of the morning would be shattered, altering the course of U.S. history forever.

As the Japanese launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the base was thrown into chaos. The USS California, like other battleships in Battleship Row, became a prime target for the enemy forces. When the first bombs and torpedoes hit, Robert R. Scott, stationed in the ship’s air compressor compartment, immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Despite the shock and confusion, Scott did not waver in his duty. His mission was clear—to ensure the battleship received the air it needed for critical operations.
As explosions rocked the California, and the ship began to take on water, Scott’s compartment started flooding. His fellow crew members rushed to evacuate, urging him to escape the rising waters. But Scott’s resolve was unshakable. His commitment to his duty became a defining moment of heroism.

Faced with imminent danger, Scott’s response was unwavering. When urged to abandon his post, he firmly replied, “This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going.” Scott knew that his position in the air compressor room was vital to the ship’s operations, and leaving it unmanned could jeopardize the lives of his shipmates.
Despite the overwhelming threat to his life, Scott refused to abandon his post. His selfless decision to stay behind marked the last time he would be seen alive. The flooding compartment eventually claimed his life, but his actions that day cemented his legacy as one of the many heroes of Pearl Harbor.

In the aftermath of the attack, Robert R. Scott’s bravery did not go unnoticed. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, one of the highest military honors in the United States, in recognition of his extraordinary heroism and sacrifice. His Medal of Honor citation highlights the courage he displayed in the face of certain death, choosing to stay at his post to ensure the USS California could continue to fight.
For his family and those closest to him, Scott’s death was undoubtedly a devastating loss. However, the honor he received from the Navy and the nation is a powerful testament to his bravery. His sacrifice was not in vain, and his story has been retold as a symbol of selflessness and duty to one’s country.

The story of Robert R. Scott, like so many others from that fateful day, is commemorated at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor. The monument serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for the thousands of service members who lost their lives during the attack. Visitors from all over the world come to honor the bravery of sailors like Scott, who, in their final moments, exemplified the highest ideals of courage and service.
Pearl Harbor remains a symbol of American resilience, and the actions of men like Robert R. Scott continue to inspire generations. His decision to stay at his station, knowing full well the risks, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought to defend their country.