USS Pennsylvania – The Day the Music Died

The USS Pennsylvania, a symbol of naval power, holds a unique place in history, not just for its military significance but for a poignant moment on the eve of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack. On December 6, 1941, the eve of the attack, the USS Pennsylvania’s band participated in the semi-finals of the “Battle of Music” at Bloch Arena. The competition was a highlight for many sailors, offering a night of camaraderie and entertainment. The Pennsylvania band, along with the USS Tennessee, won the semi-finals, setting the stage for a showdown against the bands of the USS Arizona and Marine Corps Barracks on December 20. The jubilant atmosphere of the night, filled with melodies and laughter, would be shattered by the events that followed just hours later.

As the sun rose on December 7, 1941, the day began like any other. Sailors went about their morning routines, unaware of the impending catastrophe. The tranquility was abruptly interrupted when Japanese planes launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Pennsylvania, dry-docked alongside the destroyers Cassin and Downes, was one of the first ships to respond to the assault. The ship’s crew, including those who had been celebrating their musical victory the previous night, were thrust into a battle for survival.
The initial wave of the attack saw the Pennsylvania strafed by machine gun fire and targeted by dive bombers. The ship’s anti-aircraft gunners fought back fiercely, managing to down several enemy planes. Despite the ship’s efforts, a bomb penetrated the boat deck, exploding in Casement 9 and causing significant casualties among the crew. The attack on the dry dock was particularly intense, with Japanese bombers aiming to destroy the caisson and flood the dock. This would have caused devastating damage to the Pennsylvania and the nearby destroyers. Fortunately, the ship’s defensive actions diverted the enemy planes’ focus, saving the dry dock from catastrophic flooding.
The aftermath of the attack saw Pennsylvania surviving relatively unscathed compared to other vessels like the USS Arizona, which was completely destroyed. However, the human cost was severe, with several crew members losing their lives. The emotional impact on those who survived was profound. The jubilant memories of the Battle of Music were overshadowed by the horror and loss experienced during the attack.
In a gesture of respect and remembrance, the surviving band members from the USS Pennsylvania and the other competing ships decided to honor their fallen comrades from the USS Arizona. They awarded the “Battle of Music” trophy, renaming it the “Arizona Trophy” in tribute to the musicians who perished. This act of solidarity and remembrance highlighted the close-knit community among the sailors and their shared grief.
The story of the USS Pennsylvania on December 6-7, 1941, is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the sudden shift from peace to war. The night of music and celebration transformed into a morning of chaos and destruction. The ship’s journey through that fateful day encapsulates the broader narrative of Pearl Harbor—a story of bravery, loss, and resilience. The USS Pennsylvania continued to serve throughout World War II, participating in numerous operations and earning multiple battle stars. Its legacy, however, is forever intertwined with the events of Pearl Harbor and the memory of the day the music died.