ORANGE PARK – Arthur Barnes Gilbert was just 17 years old when he enlisted in the Navy in 1940.
He had lied about his age, seeking an escape from the life he had known in rural North Carolina. Stationed in sunny Hawaii, Gilbert boarded the USS Arizona battleship in December of that year. His role on board: to maintain vessel safety and perform maintenance of the ship’s operational readiness.
A year later, his role would be put to the test in a tragedy that would rock the United States.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan struck the U.S. in a surprise attack on its base at Pearl Harbor, catapulting the country into World War II.
Gilbert was on board the ship when a Japanese dive bomber dropped a bomb down the smokestack, according to a North Carolina newspaper article from 1956. The Arizona broke in half and sank to the bottom of the harbor.
Gilbert and some of his shipmates were pushed off as the ship went down. He swam his way through droves of oil. He was rescued, along with 319 sailors and 15 Marines.
More than 2,400 people died that morning, while countless more were wounded.
Gilbert was one of thousands of survivors. In a ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 7, the Historical Society of Orange Park honored him and all the others who experienced the attack firsthand for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Only about 12 survivors remain alive.
“Today we stand in solemn remembrance of Dec. 7, 1941. A day when our nation was tested without warning and when American service members met that test with courage, discipline and unwavering resolve,” said Cmdr. Jessica Moore with the American Legion Department of Florida.
Moore, along with other prestigious guests and veterans, was present. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Douglas Pistorius was the guest speaker. Pistorius spoke about Gilbert’s history and their similarities.
Both joined the Navy at a young age, were stationed on ships on the West Coast, and joined a year before a significant historical event. Pistorius joined just before the Sept. 11 attacks.
“I got a little bit of chills reading his life. Just because of the parallels,” he said.
With help from the Naval Station Jacksonville Honor Guard Team and the American Legion, the Sunday afternoon was filled with patriotism and honor. Due to a rainy forecast, the ceremony was moved inside the Orange Park Library; however, Historical Society President Cynthia Cheatwood said it all turned out exactly how it was supposed to.
“We are indebted to the U.S. Navy personnel with us. The depth of the gratitude runs through for Arthur, as well as the Orange Park community,” Cheatwood said.
Gilbert passed away in 1973 and is buried in Magnolia Cemetery. Cheatwood said the society was unaware of Gilbert’s status.
The group learned of his legacy while placing flags in Magnolia Cemetery for Memorial Day this year. Cheatwood said that Gilbert’s son, Dennis, an Orange Park High graduate, told them about his father’s legacy. But there was no marker reflecting it.
“You never know how things might play out,” she said, recalling the encounter.
The historical society applied to the Veterans Administration for a bronze memorial plaque that was recently installed. During the ceremony, Dennis was also presented with a flag in honor of Gilbert.
Dennis called it a wholesome and patriotic moment.
“This is quite an honor. I’m sure he’s rolling over right now,” Dennis said.