Jack Vaessen and USS Utah

The morning of December 7, 1941, on the island of Oahu was one of chaos and confusion. While most sailors and Marines at Pearl Harbor quickly understood what was happening, John “Jack” Vaessen, an electrician aboard the former battleship USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16), was unaware of the devastating attack that was unfolding just above his head.

USS Utah, converted into a target and training ship long before the attack, was not armed as a battleship anymore. However, several Japanese pilots mistakenly thought it still was, and they focused their efforts on the ship during the assault on Pearl Harbor. After the attack began, Utah was struck by six torpedoes, two of which hit their target. Down below in the electrical power station, the 25-year-old Vaessen was oblivious to the attack above. All he knew was that his ship had been struck and was listing severely.

As the USS Utah began to tilt more and more, Jack Vaessen quickly realized the severity of the situation. Equipment was being dislodged, and water began pouring into the ship. While attempting to maintain the power, Vaessen was struck by loose objects, including fire extinguishers and deck plates. It was a race against time. With only a flashlight and a wrench, Vaessen continued to try to find his bearings in the chaos.

As the water levels rose and the ship’s electrical components short-circuited, leaving him in darkness, escape seemed increasingly impossible. Utah had no loudspeaker system, so Vaessen remained unaware of the broader events unfolding at Pearl Harbor. All he knew was that he needed to find a way off the sinking vessel.

Finally, Vaessen made his way to the end of the ship, only to find himself trapped beneath the overturned vessel. Desperate to be rescued, he pounded on the ship’s hull with his wrench and flashlight, hoping to get the attention of any nearby rescuers. His hands were blistered from the effort, but he kept going, refusing to give up.

Eventually, help arrived in the form of the crew from the nearby USS Raleigh (CL-7), who used cutting tools to burn a hole through the bottom of the ship. It was large enough for Vaessen to crawl through and escape. Freed from his ordeal, he finally saw the destruction and chaos that had unfolded during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

For his bravery in continuing his duties under life-threatening conditions, Jack Vaessen was awarded the Navy Cross. His remarkable actions that day are a testament to the courage and resilience of the men who served at Pearl Harbor. Jack Vaessen lived a long life, passing away in 2018 at the age of 101. In 2016, he celebrated his 100th birthday, a milestone that reflected not only his survival but also his incredible contribution to the defense of the United States during one of the darkest moments in its history.

Jack Vaessen’s story remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served at Pearl Harbor. His survival of the USS Utah’s sinking is a testament to the strength and determination of the men who faced unimaginable challenges on that fateful day.