Heartbreak at Pearl Harbor and Midway

[kanemono]

This is the story of the tragic sacrifice of the Dobbins family.

Electrician’s Mate Second Class Richard Henry Dobbins, United States Navy served aboard the USS Helena. The Helena was part of the Pacific Fleet Pearl at Harbor when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. The Helena was in the berth normally assigned to the battleship USS Pennsylvania, and became a prime target for Japanese planes. A Japanese torpedo bomber launched a torpedo which hit the Helena on the starboard side as the crew raced to battle stations. The explosion partly lifted the ship bodily amidships just forward of the number three gun mount. Twenty men were killed immediately. Thirty-four of Helena‍ '​s sailors were killed and sixty nine were wounded during the Japanese attack. Helena began to flood and had slight list, however, only one of the two engine rooms and one boiler room were flooded. With attacking planes flying overhead, the crew broke out the service ammunition, and by 8:01 AM the ship began to fight back by sending up anti-aircraft fire. Richard Henry Dobbins was manning his station in the forward fire room when the torpedo hit, flooding the area. His body was recovered on December 18, 1941.

Seaman First Class Albert James Dobbins, United States Navy was assigned to the USS Hammann. During the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942 Hammann screened the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, she helped to shoot down many of the attacking Japanese aircraft. The Yorktown took two torpedo hits and, listing heavily, was abandoned. Hammann picked up survivors in the water and transferred them to the larger ships. The next morning an effort was to save the stricken carrier. A skeleton crew returned on board the Yorktown, and attempted to tow her to safety. Hammann came alongside on 6 June to transfer a damage control party. The Hammann tied up next to the Yorktown, providing electrical power, hoses and water for firefighting. The protective destroyer screen was penetrated by the Japanese submarine I-168. She loosed four torpedoes, one missed, two passed under Hammann and hit the Yorktown and the fourth torpedo hit the Hammann amidships, breaking her in half. The Hammann sank bow first in just four minutes. Following the sinking the destroyer's depth charges and torpedoes exploded underwater causing many deaths of sailors in the water. This brought the death toll to eighty. Seaman First Class Albert James Dobbins was severely injured and was taken aboard the Destroyer USS Benham where he died on June 6, 1944. He was buried at sea.

Electrician’s Mate Harvey C. Dobbins, United States Navy Dobbins was the father of two sons who were killed in action during World War two. Richard, an Electrician’s Mate Second Class, was killed on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Albert, Seaman First Class, was killed on June 6, 1942 at the Battle of Midway. Harvey C. Dobbins was assigned to serve as Electrician First Class on the submarine U.S.S. L-1. In November of 1917, the U.S.S. L-1 was sent to the submarine base at Bantry Bay, Ireland, for duty on anti-U-boat patrols and to escort convoys. The L class submarines were under powered, however, they showed good endurance for patrols in the North Atlantic and in British waters. US submarines did not sink any U-boats in World War I. Dobbins served on the U.S.S. L-1 until 1919

[tarbridge]

RIP...

[kanemono]

I didn't post Albert..

[katieony]

A very poignant group...thank you for sharing their story!

[Garandomatic]

Man...

[Bluehawk]

"The Hammann sank bow first in just four minutes. Following the sinking the destroyer's depth charges and torpedoes exploded underwater causing many deaths of sailors in the water..."

 

[Josh B.]

Thank you so much for sharing. Every KIA PH is special, but to see a larger family memorialized in them is even more moving. Image of the verso of Harvey's GCM posted anywhere to see?

 

Josh

[kanemono]

Harvey Dobbins medals.

[Bluehawk]

Not at all wishing to hijack this meaningful thread, but could someone explain/describe the technical process by which an engraving was made in this fashion, please:

 

Harvey Dobbins medals.

 

[Kurt Barickman]

Dick,

 

Your collection never ceases to amaze us, thanks for sharing.

 

Kurt

[jmar]

Hello Dick,

 

Your threads are not only informative and historically significant, they are also very respectful and humble in honoring the deeds of those, whose well-earned accolades, are presently in your care. I always enjoy your threads because of that. Thank you again for showing and sharing their story.

 

Best wishes to you!

 

Joe