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Pearl Harbor Survival Story: Girls Survive Amidst the Chaos

Fred Foster

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Published in Alice On The Island: A Pearl Harbor Survival Story (Girls Survive)

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On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States was thrust into World War II following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Amidst the chaos and devastation, countless stories of heroism and resilience emerged, including that of two young girls who survived the ordeal.

Alice on the Island: A Pearl Harbor Survival Story (Girls Survive)

by Maya Gottfried

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10244 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	113 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Girls

The girls, 12-year-old Lorraine Ruppe and 10-year-old Maxine Thompson, were living in Honolulu with their families. On that fateful morning, they were at school when the attack began.

Lorraine's school was located near Pearl Harbor, and she witnessed the explosions and smoke firsthand. Maxine's school was farther away, but she heard the bombing and felt the ground tremble.

The Attack

As the attack intensified, Lorraine and Maxine's schools were evacuated. Lorraine ran towards home, while Maxine sought refuge in a nearby basement.

Lorraine's journey home was perilous. She witnessed the destruction and chaos of the attack, with ships sinking and planes crashing. The streets were filled with people, some fleeing, some injured, and others in shock.

Maxine, in the basement, experienced the deafening roar of the bombing and the shaking of the building. She huddled with strangers, fearing for her life.

The Aftermath

The attack lasted for nearly two hours, and when it finally ended, Lorraine and Maxine were left alone and frightened. Lorraine's home had been damaged, and her parents were nowhere to be found.

Maxine eventually made her way home, where she found her family safe. Lorraine, however, spent the night in a nearby air raid shelter, not knowing if her family had survived.

Search and Reunion

The next morning, Lorraine frantically searched for her parents. She went to hospitals and Red Cross centers, but there was no sign of them. Desperate, she returned to her damaged home, where she found her father alive but injured. Her mother was still missing.

Maxine and her family helped Lorraine look for her mother. They searched for days, but their efforts proved futile. Lorraine's mother had been killed in the attack.

Legacy of Resilience

Despite the trauma and loss they experienced, Lorraine and Maxine displayed remarkable resilience. They went on to live full and meaningful lives, carrying the memory of Pearl Harbor with them.

Lorraine became an advocate for peace and reconciliation. She spoke openly about her experiences and the importance of tolerance and understanding.

Maxine dedicated her life to education. She became a teacher and later an administrator, inspiring countless students with her passion for history and social justice.

The Importance of Rememberance

The stories of Lorraine Ruppe and Maxine Thompson are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart. They remind us of the horrors of war and the importance of preserving peace.

As we mark the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, let us honor the memory of those who lost their lives and draw strength from the stories of those who survived.