Heroes of the Harbor: Samuel Fuqua

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor became the backdrop for one of the most infamous attacks in U.S. history. Amid the chaos, countless servicemen stepped up in the face of overwhelming danger. One such hero was Lieutenant Commander Samuel G. Fuqua, whose extraordinary actions aboard the USS Arizona earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration.
Before the attack, Fuqua had a long and distinguished military career. He had served in World War I, graduated from the University of Missouri, and held posts on various ships, including the USS Macdonough and USS Mississippi. In 1941, he returned to the USS Arizona as the vessel’s Damage Control Officer and First Lieutenant, roles that would thrust him into the heart of heroism during the Pearl Harbor attack.

On that fateful morning, the USS Arizona was one of the first battleships targeted by the Japanese bombers. As the initial wave of explosions rocked Battleship Row, the mighty Arizona was struck hard. One of these blasts knocked Fuqua unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in the middle of unimaginable chaos. Fires raged across the ship, and the crew was in disarray. But Fuqua, calm under pressure, immediately resumed his duties, organizing firefighting teams and directing rescue efforts.
The situation aboard the Arizona grew dire as the battleship’s forward magazines exploded, sending a massive fireball into the sky and sealing the ship’s fate. Despite the growing inferno and the vessel’s imminent sinking, Fuqua did not falter. He remained on the quarterdeck, overseeing rescue operations and ensuring that as many sailors as possible could escape the doomed battleship.
As the senior surviving officer, Fuqua took charge, directing the evacuation and maintaining order during the chaos. His leadership saved numerous lives that day, and his refusal to abandon the ship until the last possible moment inspired many to follow his example. Even as the Arizona began its final descent to the harbor floor, Fuqua stayed behind, ensuring that all who could be saved were evacuated.

Though the USS Arizona was lost, Samuel Fuqua’s heroism lived on. His actions during the attack were nothing short of remarkable, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage and leadership in the face of such adversity.
Following the attack, Fuqua continued his military service. He was assigned to the USS Tuscaloosa and played a key role in amphibious operations in Borneo and the Philippines. His leadership during World War II extended beyond Pearl Harbor, leaving a lasting impact on the Navy. By the time of his retirement in 1953, Fuqua had risen to the rank of Rear Admiral, capping off a distinguished career of service to his country.

Samuel Fuqua passed away on January 27, 1987, at the age of 87, and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy, along with the stories of countless other Pearl Harbor heroes, remains alive at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Oahu, Hawaii. Visitors to Pearl Harbor can learn more about Fuqua’s extraordinary acts of bravery and honor the memory of those who fought and sacrificed their lives on that tragic day.
For anyone interested in the history of Pearl Harbor, exploring the monument and paying tribute to heroes like Samuel G. Fuqua is a meaningful way to connect with the past and understand the profound impact of their actions on the course of World War II.