Don Ostertag is a storyteller, one of the best. Well, that’s actually an understatement. He doesn’t post often, but when he does…hang onto your hat. I have read many stories of Pearl Harbor. Don’s story is perhaps the best. Read on, and never forget.
A Reblog to remember December 7th, 1941
Even the open sea had adopted the Sunday morning calm of the towns that outlined the clover-leaf shaped harbor. The glow from the lights of Saturday night had dimmed several hours before. Now the only lights were those needed by the people who were going to church and those who were working the Sunday shifts.
On board the USS Ward an easiness had replaced the uncertainty of the night, the first night of the Ward’s task, patrolling the mouth of the harbor…the first night under the new captain..the first night the young crew felt they were part of the actual Navy.
When he felt comfortable with how it went that day, Lt. William Outerbridge had decided it was time for him to go to bed. He was tired. The hectic last couple of days had had drained him. Arriving on board of the…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Oh, Jennie, thank you for the reblog and your kind words. Coming from one of my favorite teachers it means so much to me.
Thank you, Don!
wonderful share, thanks, jennie –
Thank you, Beth.
I’ve never read about the USS Ward – what a wonderful story. thanks for sharing.
I had heard bits and pieces, but nothing to this extent. It puts it all together. Thank you, Jim!
it was nice to read the full story…
I’m glad you did!
I had seen this on Don’s blog. Good choice for a reblog, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. Best to you.
wonderful post
Thank you. Well, thank Don.
I was very moved by Don’s post of the USS Ward at Pearl Harbor. Thank you for sharing it.
I was very moved as well. What a story!
Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie. I’m glad these stories are being written down. I know the Library of Congress’s Veterans’ Project has preserved a lot of them.
I’m glad these stories are preserved in the Library of Congress. Eagle Scouts are doing a great service by interviewing veterans and documenting their stories. Hooray!
The Library of Congress has other digitized oral histories as well, including slave narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project in the 1930s. Hurray indeed!!
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Thanks for sharing, Jennie! Have to head over, to read the full interesting story. xx Michael
Michael, it is a great story! You will enjoy reading it.
Oh yes, its wonderful. Thanks for mentioning, Jennie! xx Michael
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