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Men inspect the damage after the infamous Japanese attack. The "Wee Vee" as the ship was affectionately referred to, was raised from the bottom of Pearl Harbor where she was moored during the attack and towed to dry dock for repairs.

1. Severely Damaged U.S.S. West Virginia After December 7th Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hi.

IDNO:
049563
Title:
Severely Damaged U.S.S. West Virginia After December 7th Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hi.
Date:
ca. 1942
Description:
Men inspect the damage after the infamous Japanese attack. The "Wee Vee" as the ship was affectionately referred to, was raised from the bottom of Pearl Harbor where she was moored during the attack and towed to dry dock for repairs.
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

2. Unidentified Member of U.S.S. West Virginia Crew

IDNO:
051886
Title:
Unidentified Member of U.S.S. West Virginia Crew
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Another battleship is visible in the background.

3. Unidentified Crew Member of U.S.S. West Virginia Crew

IDNO:
051887
Title:
Unidentified Crew Member of U.S.S. West Virginia Crew
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Another battleship is visible in the background.
On the photo is a message reading, "All my love, Bill." Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

4. U. S. Navy Sailor William Wright

IDNO:
051888
Title:
U. S. Navy Sailor William Wright
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
On the photo is a message reading, "All my love, Bill." Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

5. Unidentified Crew Member of the U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051889
Title:
Unidentified Crew Member of the U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
A man likely named Al is pictured on the ship. Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

6. Unidentified Crew Member of the U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051890
Title:
Unidentified Crew Member of the U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
1944-45
Description:
A man likely named Al is pictured on the ship. Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

7. Unidentified Crew Member of U.S.S. West Virginia, Pacific Theater

IDNO:
051891
Title:
Unidentified Crew Member of U.S.S. West Virginia, Pacific Theater
Date:
1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Two sailors pose together for a photo. The man on the right is likely named Al. Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

8. Unidentified Crew Members of U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051892
Title:
Unidentified Crew Members of U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
1944-45
Description:
Two sailors pose together for a photo. The man on the right is likely named Al. Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
The two men in the photo are sitting on top of or near one of the gun turrets on the ship. Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

9. Two Men on U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051893
Title:
Two Men on U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
1944-45
Description:
The two men in the photo are sitting on top of or near one of the gun turrets on the ship. Photos are from an album belonging to a crew member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Wright, left, is pictured with an unidentified woman on his lap. Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

10. Seaman William Wright and Female in Hula Skirt, Pearl Harbor, Hi.

IDNO:
051894
Title:
Seaman William Wright and Female in Hula Skirt, Pearl Harbor, Hi.
Date:
1944
Description:
Wright, left, is pictured with an unidentified woman on his lap. Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

11. Crew Members of U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051895
Title:
Crew Members of U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

12. Unidentified Crew Member on U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051896
Title:
Unidentified Crew Member on U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
The photo was taken from the deck of the U.S.S. West Virginia. Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

13. United States Navy Aircraft Carrier at Sea

IDNO:
051897
Title:
United States Navy Aircraft Carrier at Sea
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
The photo was taken from the deck of the U.S.S. West Virginia. Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

14. Rough Waters Aboard U.S.S. West Virginia

IDNO:
051898
Title:
Rough Waters Aboard U.S.S. West Virginia
Date:
ca. 1944-45
Description:
Photos are from an album belonging to a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia. William Wright, Radio Technician 2C, was on the ship from 1944-45 and saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
A fleet of U.S. bomber airplanes fly across the sky. The photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia Scrapbook.

15. Flight of Bombers in Hawaii

IDNO:
051995
Title:
Flight of Bombers in Hawaii
Date:
ca. 1940
Description:
A fleet of U.S. bomber airplanes fly across the sky. The photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia Scrapbook.
Photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.

16. Naval Fleet Displaying Searchlights at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
051996
Title:
Naval Fleet Displaying Searchlights at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
ca. 1940
Description:
Photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.
Soldiers gather around a firing anti-aircraft gun during a defense campaign. The photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.

17. Anti-Aircraft Gun in Action at Night, Hawaii

IDNO:
051997
Title:
Anti-Aircraft Gun in Action at Night, Hawaii
Date:
ca. 1940
Description:
Soldiers gather around a firing anti-aircraft gun during a defense campaign. The photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.
A group of soldiers gather around coastal artillery during a defense campaign. Photograph taken from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.

18. American Soldiers Shore Battery at Night in Hawaii

IDNO:
051999
Title:
American Soldiers Shore Battery at Night in Hawaii
Date:
ca. 1939-1945
Description:
A group of soldiers gather around coastal artillery during a defense campaign. Photograph taken from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.
American military work with coastal artillery during a defense campaign. Photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.

19. Shore Battery in Hawaii

IDNO:
052002
Title:
Shore Battery in Hawaii
Date:
ca. 1940
Description:
American military work with coastal artillery during a defense campaign. Photograph comes from a U.S.S. West Virginia scrapbook.
The Japanese hit the "Wee Vee" with nine bombs and torpedoes during the attack. The U.S.S. Tennessee is moored on the right.

20. U.S.S. West Virginia Burning and Sinking after Pearl Harbor Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052123
Title:
U.S.S. West Virginia Burning and Sinking after Pearl Harbor Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
The Japanese hit the "Wee Vee" with nine bombs and torpedoes during the attack. The U.S.S. Tennessee is moored on the right.
On the left, only the top deck and caged masts of the U.S.S. West Virginia can be seen. The U.S.S. West Virginia was hit with nine bombs and torpedoes total. In the center is the U.S.S. Arizona and on the right is the U.S.S. Tennessee. All ships are on fire.

21. U.S.S. West Virginia Sinking after Pearl Harbor Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052124
Title:
U.S.S. West Virginia Sinking after Pearl Harbor Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
On the left, only the top deck and caged masts of the U.S.S. West Virginia can be seen. The U.S.S. West Virginia was hit with nine bombs and torpedoes total. In the center is the U.S.S. Arizona and on the right is the U.S.S. Tennessee. All ships are on fire.
Men on boats attempt to extinguish the fire on the U.S.S. West Virginia.

22. Crews Fighting Fires on U.S.S. West Virginia after Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052125
Title:
Crews Fighting Fires on U.S.S. West Virginia after Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
Men on boats attempt to extinguish the fire on the U.S.S. West Virginia.
The U.S.S. West Virginia looks battered and wounded while docked at the naval shipyard. The "Wee Vee" was hit by nine bombs and torpedoes by the Japanese warplanes during the December 7th attack.

23. Salvaging Operations aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052126
Title:
Salvaging Operations aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1942/05/05
Description:
The U.S.S. West Virginia looks battered and wounded while docked at the naval shipyard. The "Wee Vee" was hit by nine bombs and torpedoes by the Japanese warplanes during the December 7th attack.
Crew members during a salvage and repair operation work port side of the battered battleship. The U.S.S. West Virginia was hit by seven torpedoes and two bombs during the December 7th attack.

24. Gaping Wound on U.S.S. West Virginia, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii

IDNO:
052127
Title:
Gaping Wound on U.S.S. West Virginia, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii
Date:
ca. 1942
Description:
Crew members during a salvage and repair operation work port side of the battered battleship. The U.S.S. West Virginia was hit by seven torpedoes and two bombs during the December 7th attack.
The photograph was taken at the beginning of the attack. The explosion seen in the center of the photograph is a torpedo that struck the U.S.S. West Virginia.

25. Aerial Photograph taken from Japanese Plane during Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052128
Title:
Aerial Photograph taken from Japanese Plane during Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
The photograph was taken at the beginning of the attack. The explosion seen in the center of the photograph is a torpedo that struck the U.S.S. West Virginia.
An official U.S. Navy photograph. From left to right is the U.S.S. West Virginia, U.S.S. Tennessee, and the U.S.S. Arizona.

26. Burning and Damaged Ships After Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052129
Title:
Burning and Damaged Ships After Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
An official U.S. Navy photograph. From left to right is the U.S.S. West Virginia, U.S.S. Tennessee, and the U.S.S. Arizona.
Smoke rises from the sinking battleship, which was hit by seven torpedoes and two bombs.

27. Damaged U.S.S. West Virginia after Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052130
Title:
Damaged U.S.S. West Virginia after Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
Smoke rises from the sinking battleship, which was hit by seven torpedoes and two bombs.
Smoke billows from the U.S.S. West Virginia, which is pictured in the back and center of the photograph. The ship eventually sank.Floating on the left is the U.S.S. Maryland. On the right is a capsized U.S.S. Oklahoma.

28. Damaged Battleships following Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052131
Title:
Damaged Battleships following Japanese Attack, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1941/12/07
Description:
Smoke billows from the U.S.S. West Virginia, which is pictured in the back and center of the photograph. The ship eventually sank.Floating on the left is the U.S.S. Maryland. On the right is a capsized U.S.S. Oklahoma.
Miller was a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia as a Messman Third Class during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Navy Cross--the third highest navy award for gallantry during combat--for "distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack. Miller, despite enemy strafing and bombing and in the face of serious fire, assisted in moving his Captain who had been mortally wounded to a place of greater safety and later manned and operated a machine gun directed at enemy Japanese attacking aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge."Miller was personally awarded the medal by Admiral Chester Nimitz. He was the first African-American to be awarded the honor.

29. Doris Miller Awarded Navy Cross, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

IDNO:
052132
Title:
Doris Miller Awarded Navy Cross, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Date:
1942/05/27
Description:
Miller was a member of the U.S.S. West Virginia as a Messman Third Class during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Navy Cross--the third highest navy award for gallantry during combat--for "distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack. Miller, despite enemy strafing and bombing and in the face of serious fire, assisted in moving his Captain who had been mortally wounded to a place of greater safety and later manned and operated a machine gun directed at enemy Japanese attacking aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge."Miller was personally awarded the medal by Admiral Chester Nimitz. He was the first African-American to be awarded the honor.