Robert O. Carlson
U.S.S. Oklahoma
Bob Carlson entered the Navy in January 1939. After boot camp he was assigned to the USS Oklahoma and reported aboard in May 1939. He was assigned to the band with his battle station being the main mast.

On Dec. 7, 1941, about 0745, the musicians went topside to prepare for colors. We met at the quarter deck and ar first call at 0755 marched aft to the fantail in preparation for colors. We had just been placed at ease when we noticed a plane diving on Ford Island and had just mentioned that they were Japanese when the first torpedo hit the port side of the ship amidships. The ship took a decided list to port and continued as more torpedoes ripped through the hill. After about 5 torpedoes, I went over the side into the water, which by this time had a good coat of oil. Fire had broken out but I could not tell where because of the smoke. The ship continued to be torpedoed. The ship capsized and turned over about 155 degrees with her masts in the mud. I swam underwater to the USS Maryland and did what I could to help. I went back to the Oklahoma where they were attempting to cut into the hull to rescue the trapped personnel. Thirty two men were rescued from the hill of the ship from Sunday afternoon till Tuesday evening.”

After a couple more assignments he applied for V-5 Cadet Training and in April 1943 he was accepted for flight training and was commissioned as an Ensign in October 1944. He remained in the Navy and retired in May 1964 as a Lt. Commander.