Melvin Storer

Storer joined the United States Navy Reserve on May 5, 1938. He was a shipfitter third class when enlisting on the USS California on July 16, 1940. Following his time at Pearl Harbor, Storer was later a shipfitter on the USS West Virginia and USS Yarnall, first enlisting on May 15, 1942. In 1943, he was promoted to shipfitter first class and deep-sea diver. Storer was discharged in October 1945 and briefly worked as a Naval Reserve recruiter before re-enlisting on March 30, 1948. Pearl Harbor attack Storer was supervising cleanup in the engine room on the USS California when an airstrike call came in. It was dismissed at first, due to previous drills. Storer and others immediately closed watertight hatches between the compartments below deck. The damage had caused a power outage, spraying steam and ammunition had to be manually loaded into anti-air craft guns. When the order to abandon ship was given, Storer leapt into the water 25 feet below. He swam until a boat rescued him and brought him back to the USS California, where he made an attempt to help save the ship. On December 16, 1941, Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz contacted Storer's mother and claimed he was one of many men missing in action.The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son Melvin Tyler Storer, shipfitter third class, U.S. Naval Reserve, was lost in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.Services for Storer were held on December 21 A week after the service, two postcards arrived on December 29, both with Storer's signature. Storer wrote to his parents dated from December 8 and December 12 to let them know he had survived. On January 1, 1942, a telegram from Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs arrived.The Navy Department is glad to inform you that your son Melvin Tyler Storer, shipfitter third class, U.S. Naval Reserve, previously reported missing following action in the performance of his duty, is now reported to be a survivor.In the aftermath of the attack, Storer stayed at Pearl Harbor for six months to help with the salvage and cleanup. He reunited with his family on a surprise visit during his leave, taking a bus from Bremerton, Washington. == Other work ==

In 1947, Storer was recruited as a naval diver to search Odell Lake for two fishermen who went missing and believed to have drowned. The search attempt was called off after Storer and another diver determined the temperature of the water was too cold for survival to have been possible. He later moved to Chula Vista and became a welder at Rohr, Inc. == Personal life ==

Storer was born in Portland, Oregon, to Frank and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Storer married Edith Dette Sherman on May 6, 1973, in San Diego, California. == Death ==

Storer died on December 27, 2003, in Chula Vista, California and was buried at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, California. == Commendations ==