Seeing Inside Pearl Harbor: Navy Deck Logs from the Attack

Understanding the events that transpired at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, can be challenging. While survivors’ accounts provide invaluable insight, the chaos of war can sometimes cloud memories. However, Navy Deck Logs, preserved from ships that survived the attack, offer a more detailed and clear historical record. These logs, salvaged from vessels like the USS Maryland, USS Solace, and USS Conyngham, provide a first-hand glimpse into what life was like during one of the darkest days in American history.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, the White House authorized the release of some of these logs, now stored in the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. This effort brought to light the inner workings of Navy ships on that fateful day, giving the public a rare opportunity to read through the raw, official accounts of the attack.

The deck logs from the USS Maryland, a battleship anchored at Pearl Harbor, reveal crucial moments of the attack. On that morning, the crew went about their regular duties, receiving a 2,000-pound shipment of ice at 0640. Then, at 0750, the log notes: “Japanese planes commenced bombing attack.” The Maryland was soon engaged in defending itself and other nearby ships, including the USS Oklahoma, which tragically sank after being torpedoed.
While the logs may not read like a fast-paced action novel, they provide valuable specifics of the battleship’s role during the attack. From preparing for the fight to engaging enemy aircraft, the deck logs from the USS Maryland help piece together the sequence of events that morning.

The USS Solace was a hospital ship, serving as a sanctuary for wounded soldiers during the attack. Her deck logs offer a more human perspective of the event, detailing the care provided to injured servicemen. The ship’s civilian nurses, whose dedication was recorded in these logs, worked tirelessly to treat the flood of casualties.
The logs mention the attack beginning at 0800, with the entry “Pearl Harbor, T.H. attacked by Japanese torpedo and bombing planes.” Over the next several hours, the Solace became a haven for the wounded, tending to servicemen while chaos reigned all around. The dedication of the ship’s medical crew remains a poignant reminder of the bravery displayed that day.

The USS Conyngham’s logs capture a mix of the ordinary and extraordinary. At 0818, just after the crew received ice cream as part of their resupply, Japanese fighters appeared over Ford Island. By 1104, the Conyngham had joined the defense, engaging the enemy. While the ship avoided significant damage, her crew’s efforts to repel the attack were recorded in meticulous detail, from opening fire to taking note of the enemy’s movements.

These deck logs are a small but significant piece of the vast history of Pearl Harbor. For those interested in learning more, a visit to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is a must. The monument houses an array of artifacts, exhibits, and memorials from the attack, offering visitors a chance to engage with history in a deeply personal way.
From viewing artifacts from the attack to standing on the decks of the Battleship Missouri—where Japan signed the surrender documents—visitors can delve into the tragic yet pivotal moments that shaped the course of World War II. These Navy Deck Logs, now accessible to the public, offer another layer of understanding, showing the detailed and often overlooked accounts of those who served on December 7, 1941.