ADVANCE COPY U.S.S. Downes (DD375) |
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DD375/A16-3 (412) |
December 17, 1941 |
From: | The Commanding Officer. | |
To: | The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. | |
Subject: | Report of Action with Japanese Aircraft During Attack on Pearl Harbor, T.H., December 7, 1941. | |
Reference: | (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, Articles 712, 873(6). | |
Enclosure: |
(A) Statement of Lieutenant W.O. Snead,
U.S. Navy, Executive Officer, U.S.S. Downes. (B) Statement of Lieutenant (jg) J.D. Parker, U.S. Navy, Senior Officer on Board during Attack. [not attached] |
It was soon evident that the fire was out of control. The engineroom was abandoned at 0912. Lieutenant (jg) Parker ordered the abandonment of the after part of the ship, however the flames were already driving the men off the ship. Orders were given to flood the after magazines, but it is not known whether this was accomplished or not. A few seconds later, at about 0920, the situation then being hopeless, Lieutenant (jg) Parker gave orders for all hands to abandon ship. Shortly after orders had been given to abandon ship another incendiary bomb hit between the Cassin and Downes abreast the bridge structure setting the quarterdeck and the forward part of the Downes afire. Lieutenant (jg) Parker attempted to make a personal check to see that all men were off the ship but was prevented from doing so by the flames, and was forced to leave himself. The flames, fed by diesel and fuel oil as well as the painted surfaces of the ship, and fanned by the wind, swept diagonally across the ship, setting it on fire from bow to stern.
[signed]
W.R. THAYER.
Copy to:
Combatfor
Comdesbatfor
Comdesflot One
Comdesron Three
Condesdiv Five
December 17, 1941
From: | The Executive Officer. |
To: | The Commanding Officer. |
[signed]
W.O. SNEAD,
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy.