Second to The Last To Leave USS Arizona 12.7.41

by Lauren F. Bruner

The most detailed account of the attack on Pearl Harbor ever. The Lauren F. Bruner Story, "Memoir of a Sailor".

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, War, Military Fiction, World War II

471 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Brooke Hoag · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gut wrenching story of how Lauren Bruner survived being on the USS Arizona the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It took me a long time to finish due to the heaviness of the book and anything less than 5 stars would be an injustice to his story, bravery, service, and the sacrifice of all those lost that day. Thank you to all from this story for your service and sacrifice. I got a signed copy of this book when I visited the memorial back in December of 2023 and I am glad I did. I hope to help remember his story and the stories of those who were mentioned to help remember their extreme bravery and the gratitude I have for all they did for us to be where we are today.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, small-scale history of the dramatic Pearl Harbor attack from the eyes of a young sailor, a part of the Arizona crew...Not the usual large-scale presentations where we examine the broad strategic thinking and planning...Unique perspective, from which we learn the pre-war conditions, on the mainland and in Hawaii, that bring the author to this event...Different, but good!

[Garrett Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that would be difficult or impossible to review. On the one hand, there are flaws involved with it being a book from a small publisher including sort of amateur looking typeface, numerous errors not caught by an editor, repeated information/descriptions that also speak to poor editing, cheesy advertisements for everything from the next book about Bruner's naval career to trading cards with images of the men from USS Arizona.

On the other, this book is an absolutely stunning firsthand account of someone who lived through both a horrifying experience that is truly difficult to imagine and one of US history's most famous and important events. His story and description of what it was like to be there is truly priceless, and it has given me a new sense of respect and gratitude for what out enlisted men go through in times of tragic horror.

So I give five stars to Bruner's story and the amount of detail that the book gives on his story and the context of the events. I would give the book's presentation itself 3.5 or so for a good effort but still needing editing.

I am glad I purchased this book at Pearl Harbor because now I have the account of a survivor signed by him (after he's no longer with us as of 2019) and also a much deeper understanding of what it meant to actually be there.

[Casey Kahsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up after recently visiting Pearl Harbor. It was on the "pearl harbor historian's top picks" shelf in the store at the memorial. I went in knowing that I wanted to purchase two books. One that contained lots of pictures, maps, and other things to study the events. And the other, a memoir or biography of someone who was there, to learn more about the actual events that took place. After reading the preview on the back of this book, I knew it was the one.

This book truly is one of the most accurate accounts of the events of 7 December 1941 that I have ever read. Lauren/McGrath go into detail so vividly that he even talks about seeing gold teeth in the pilots of the Zeros as they flew over Arizona. Granted, I must forewarn that this can be a difficult read at times as well. As Lauren articulately describes the attack, the loss, and the horrors that he witnesses and endured on that day. It is because of this detail, that I have a new, deeper level of respect and admiration for what truly was the greatest generation. Your dedication to country, service, and to some your loss, will never be forgotten.

[Chris Heim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruner's story of escaping the USS Arizona is truly astonishing. He did not discuss that fateful morning with anyone -- family or friend -- until he met McGrath in his 90s. Sadly, only after he began sharing the story with McGrath did his nightmares begin to diminish. The result of their interviews is this book. In it, you learn about Bruner's early life leading up to December 7, 1941, at which time he was barely 21 years old. The details he shares about that morning can be very difficult to read, but they also paint an incredibly vivid picture of the devastation and the acts of heroism that marked those hours.

The only knocks I have on the book are an inexplicable number of typos and other errors, and the repetition of several bits of information in different chapters. For those who are able to forgive these editing issues, Bruner's story remains a can't-miss account of "a day that will live in infamy."

[Ann R. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a compelling book. I felt as if I was right there when Mr. Bruner was describing the attack on Pearl Harbor. My daughter and grandchildren met Mr. Bruner at the Dole Plantation in 2016 while he was working on his book. They talked about Disney and even got their picture taken with Mr. Bruner. In 2020, my daughters and I went to Pearl Harbor and we saw where Mr. Bruner had been buried with his fellow sailors. I’m so glad my grandson let me borrow his book to read Mr. Bruner’s harrowing experience. God bless him.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly there isn’t much to say except wow. What an amazing account of heartbreak, terror, and sacrifice. If you’re looking into reading about Pearl Harbor or just wanting to read a good book, this true story about one Navy survivor from the USS Arizona is a must read. I couldn’t put this book down, and I’ll never be the same.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Though it is about a tragic event. Lauren talks about joining the Navy and his time up until the attack, and then after. His story telling makes you feel like you are there and he talks about so many details. I enjoy history and this book has brought up things I never would have thought of.

[Deevonna Frasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Bruner’s recount of the attack of Pearl Harbor is heartbreaking and vulnerable. This memoir allows the reader to stand on the deck of the burning USS Arizona, through the eyes of a young sailor who miraculously survived the attack. I am grateful that Bruner shared his experience of that fateful morning in December 1941.

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly "I WAS There..." Mr. Bruner describes in often graphic detail what it was like to serve on and then experience the bombing, and sinking of the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. This is an excellent and fast read. Anyone interested in Pearl Harbor or WWII will find this volume educational.
FIVE STARS (because I couldn't give SIX)

[Nancy Bostwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing heart wrenching story of an American hero’s survival. Wow. I had to walk away at times and take in what he said because my emotions were high but great book

[Kristen Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book needs editing, but the story is incredible!

[Jessie Reep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and a very detailed account of the events of that day. I had tears trying to read certain parts.

[Madison Murdock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing first hand account of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The horror and hardships these individuals faced is unimaginable.