Session 21

Aftermath: The Last Detail

Following the Pearl Harbor attack, one sailor was charged with taking a detail to the USS Arizona to recover the dead. The story of that sad and regretful duty was bestowed on a young pharmacist's mate named Sterling Cale. Mr. Cale recounted that last detail and account for the losses that he would find on the deck of the USS Arizona.

 

Speaker: Sterling Cale, Pharmacist's Mate 2C, USN - Mr. Cale was stationed at the Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbor. He had just gotten off duty at the receiving station when the attack began. He witnessed the entire attack and participated in the rescue
of sailors along Battleship Row. After the attack, Sterling was put in charge of the burial detail, removing bodies from the USS Arizona. He continued to serve his
country until 2005 when he retired after 57 years of government service.

Back to Symposium Session schedule