My mother saw the attack first hand. She was 10 years old living in Pearl City. The following link is of my grandfather that I registered at the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/registry/search/plaq.asp?HonoreeID=1621815&addhonoreeid=&preview=
Joe was officially credited with rescuing @ 300 sailors from the burning waters during the attack and the leading the efforts to cut 36 sailors from the burning hulk of the Oklahoma. (as we say in his hometown...you can look it up)
Joe was also a Fleet Boxing Team member (heavyweight) and a legitimate tough guy who beat the snot out of four punks who tried to rob his restaurant..when he was in his sixties.
Joe became a pilot and initiated the annual dropping of the roses over the Statue of Liberty on the anniversary. He continued this until his tragic death in a fueling accident. He was a family friend and a hero.