The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when USS Arizona was destroyed by the Japanese Imperial Navy remains a defining moment in American history. It was a day of immense loss, not just on a national scale, but for countless families who lost loved ones in the blink of an eye. Among the victims were Thomas Augusta Free and his son, Thomas Everett Free, who served together on the USS Arizona.
Thomas Augusta Free, a seasoned sailor with over two decades of experience, held the rank of Chief Watertender aboard the Arizona. Following in his footsteps, his son, Thomas Everett Free, joined the Navy at the young age of 17, serving as a Seaman First Class. This wasn’t uncommon at the time, as families often had a long history of military service. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor tragically altered their shared story.
On that fateful morning, the Japanese attack descended upon Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona, one of the battleships targeted, suffered a devastating blow, sinking rapidly and taking the lives of more than 1,100 sailors and Marines. Dawn shattered by a roar of engines. Japanese planes swarmed the unsuspecting Pearl Harbor, unleashing a torrent of bombs and torpedoes. Battleships erupted in flame, billowing smoke choked the air. Sailors scrambled to battle stations, anti-aircraft guns spitting defiance. The once peaceful harbor became a scene of chaos and destruction. Shrapnel rained down, men fell, and the mighty Arizona, engulfed in fire, sank to a watery grave.
Both Thomas Augusta Free, at the age of 51, and Thomas Everett Free, at just 17, perished in the attack. Their deaths became a stark symbol of the profound impact the Pearl Harbor attack had on families across the nation. Their story highlights the sacrifices made not just by individual soldiers but by families who collectively shouldered the immense burden of war. Though their remains rest with the ship at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, a permanent memorial exists to honor their sacrifice. The USS Arizona Memorial, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, features the names of all those lost, including Thomas Augusta Free and Thomas Everett Free. It serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of conflict, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to pay their respects.
The tragedy of the Free family reflects the immense toll war takes on individuals and communities. Their sacrifice, along with all those who perished on the USS Arizona, is not forgotten. Their memory lives on, serving as a reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of cherishing peace.
