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From: richardgrogers@mediaone.net
Date: 14 Jul 2000
Time: 02:38:52
I recently found out that my neighbor of many years reported to the BB48 in January 1941 and was present on board on 12/7/41. He does not have access to the internet, but I will pass all enquiries on to him. His battle station was a rammer in turret #4. He told me he was playing poker in the bottom on that morning and went up several decks to go to the head. Sitting on the john he heard the first explosions, if he hadn't gone up to the head he would never had gotten out. Upon reaching the main deck he sprinted for the #4 turret, he dove under #3 turret to dodge a machine gun strafing that sprayed the deck where he had been running, knocking someone else under with him. After a few minutes in #4 turret they were sent to help get ammo for the anti aircraft guns. He said that he saw several men swim for shore, when they reached the burning oil their hair caught fire and they went under not comming back up. He said he was in the last lifeboat to leave the ship. He later spent most of the war on net tenders.
Erland J. Schumann (Sonny) 118 13th Ave N. South Saint Paul, MN 55075