07DEC1941: Donald Ross was serving on the USS Nevada docked at Pearl Harbor when the world would change on the morning of 07DEC1941. As Japanese planes entered the harbor conducting a surprise attack, the Nevada was quickly hit and at risk of sinking. As she continued to burn and take successive hits from Japanese aircraft, the crew worked to save her.
Working to navigate to shallower water, keeping the power running became a major task amidst the flames and smoke engulfing the ship. Machinist Donald Ross, stationed in the ship's dynamo, recognized the risk and ordered his men to evacuate while he began conducting all tasks himself. Ensuring the power stayed on, Ross refused to leave his post. Due to the smoke and heat, Ross was temporarily blinded and twice found unconscious. In both instances, after being resuscitated, Ross went right back to work, refusing to leave his post until the ship was saved.
Due in large part to his efforts, the USS Nevada was able to be salvaged and would go on to play a key role in some of the most significant action of WWII from Operation Overlord to the landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Ross would serve the rest of the war on the Nevada and would eventually be promoted up the ranks to Captain where he would retire in 1956 after twenty seven years of service.
