Tuesday, July 13, 2010

USS Oklahoma's Mast Finally Back Home-- Part 2

Well, it was never actually there in the first place, but it has returned to its namesake state.

From the July 11th Muskogee Phoenix.

The two Pearl Harbor survivors spoke. Ed Vesey, who had been on the Oklahoma in the attack said, "We're kind of crusty and rusty and have barnacles, too. It was a wonderful, happy ship. A good ship with great food." He continued saying people would come to the Oklahoma just to eat.

Arles Cole said he survived the attack because of a dud bomb. "I was on the third deck and I saw water coming into the third deck below. I was knocked to my knees and everything went black. I was entombed in oil and water." He also recalled finding a hole overhead made by the 500-pound did bomb. "I put the flag up while the battle was still raging...."

After the war, the Oklahoma was raised and sold for scrap, but it sunk in a storm while being towed to California.

Quite a few Oklahomans were involved in getting the mast, including state representative George Faught, Rodney Mish and Dr. Judy Morty.

A 120 square-foot building is planned to protect the mast and for displays on the ship's history.

Everyone Always Hears About the Arizona So It's Great That People Are Now aware of the Tragedy on the Oklahoma. --Cooter

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