Raymond Kimm Stationed at Pearl Harbor

KIMM, HOARD

Posted By: Kaye Sanchez (email)
Date: 2/6/2005 at 21:30:23

From a letter from Raymond Kimm to his sister:
"I awoke to the sound of anti-aircraft guns, the roar of planes, shattering glass and the rocking of the ship. Being only half-awake, I thought it rather early for practice; I jumped up, pulled on my trousers and one shoe. By that time, I heard the boys outside my room and I got on my life jacket. A lot of the boys were in the water, but some were hesitating. Down in the water, I went, the earlist morning swim I have ever taken. I thought maybe the "Utah" would suck me under. Finally, I got to the key; the thing that the ship is tied up to and I clung there for hours. From there, the boat took me to shore and later, to a hospital. (His feet were burned and his nose was broken) Ray was a 20-year veteran of the Navy Reserve and saw 7 1/2 years of active duty during WWII and the Korean War. He went in an an Ensign and worked up to Commander. Born-1 Mar 1915,at Norway, Benton Co. IA.to William Silas & Annie Virginia (Hoard)Kimm; died 16 Dec 1964, Cedar Falls, IA.