This post is written by Carrie Fisher, Digital Designer at Ebenezer, in honor of her grandfather, Giles LeClair, and his courageous service during World War II at Pearl Harbor. At Ebenezer, we honor the values of service, courage, and community. As we reflect on Carrie’s grandfather’s legacy, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by so many to protect and serve.
December 7th has always held a special place in my family. It is the day my mom’s dad, my grandfather Giles LeClair, became part of a story far larger than himself because of his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He served aboard the U.S.S. Ward, a WWI vintage destroyer that fired the First Shot of WWII at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese naval air forces attacked the U.S. Naval Base in the early morning hours of December 7, 1941.
As a young Seaman 2nd Class, Giles LeClair was among the new reservists activated by the Navy Department as tensions with Japan escalated in the Pacific. Eighty-four young sailors of the 47th Naval District traveled to San Diego, California to crew a renovated four-stack destroyer before departing for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. These novice seamen trained for duty while in transit, becoming seasoned sailors along the way.
On that fateful morning, the crew was on picket duty patrolling the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Naval Base when radio traffic reported an unknown submarine attempting to enter the harbor at dawn. The sailors acted immediately and fired two shots from deck guns Numbers 1 and 3. The second shot struck the submarine’s mast. The attack continued briefly until the submarine disappeared beneath the surface, and the U.S.S. Ward resumed its patrol.
This engagement occurred one hour before the massive Japanese aerial attack. History has since proven that the crew of the U.S.S. Ward was correct to act decisively against the unidentified submarine and sound the alarm of the oncoming assault.
After Pearl Harbor, the St. Paul reservists served throughout the South Pacific until the U.S.S. Ward was lost to a kamikaze attack on December 7, 1944. In the years that followed, the crew reunited every December to remember their shared experience and those who never returned.
For my family, remembering the U.S.S. Ward is also remembering my grandfather. His place in that first moment of the war became a story our family has shared and deeply valued across generations. It is a reminder of his courage and of the men who stood beside him.