![]() Realizing that the water was rising rapidly and that even this one exit would soon be closed, Schmitt insisted on being pushed back to help others who could get through more easily. While struggling in the aperture, the Chaplain became aware that others had come into the compartment from which he was trying to escape. It was most difficult, even with the frantic assistance offered by the men who were already out. When all of the men were outside, Schmitt then tried to get through the small opening. An open port-hole afforded means of escape, and through this the men, one by one, with the Chaplain’s help, crawled to safety. Chaplain Schmitt made his way with several of the crew to a compartment. Gradually the ship rolled over, settling with the starboard side of the bottom above water. The vessel began to list to port as water poured into her hold. ![]() Schmitt was serving his first tour of duty at sea in the Navy. Four enemy torpedoes plunged into the port side of the Oklahoma, in which Chaplain A.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |