CHAPTER 2


Pearl City
Hawaii
Friday 28 November 1941.

From: Navy Department
Washington DC

To: Commander in Chief
US Pacific Fleet
Pearl Harbor

Date: 27 Nov 41.

“This dispatch is to be considered a war warning. Negotiations with Japan looking toward stabilization of conditions in the Pacific have ceased and an aggressive move by Japan is expected within the next few days. The number and equipment of Japanese troops and the organization of naval task forces indicates an amphibious operation against the Philippines, Thailand or possibly Borneo. Execute an appropriate defensive deployment preparatory to carrying out the tasks assigned in War Plan 46.
Inform District and Army authorities. A similar warning is being sent by the War Department. Inform the British. The Continental districts of Guam and Samoa have been directed to take appropriate measures against sabotage. END.”



Big Bill Donnelly’s Bar and Grill was a small and friendly place. Discreetly located in Pearl City, a block back from the Harbor, it was in its fourth year as a favorite haunt for sailors who joined the Navy more to see other sailors, than see the world.

Bill was a short wiry man, as befitted a twenty year veteran of the US Submarine Fleet. Curly black hair sat tightly on a head holding a smart brain and a ready smile. Although short, be was universally called Big Bill on the testimony of innumerable sailors who had slept in his bed.

Johnnie Torrio sat at the bar nursing his beer. Jesus was at the end of the room in the dark corner, in a huddle with some amigos; all sotto voce in Spanish.

“You look lonely, Johnnie.”

Big Bill was moving around the oval shaped bar, wiping it down.

“No, Bill. Just thinking.”

“Sailors have no need to think. Just follow orders and look out for your buddies.”

“I’ll have another beer.”

Johnnie knew how to be a sailor. He certainly followed orders; he got along by going along. Growing up on the streets of Philadelphia was perfect training for the US Navy. Find a gang boss, join his gang, give him 110% and he will let you have your percentage on the side. Johnnie knew all this and his percentage was pocketed and secure.

In the dark corner, the amigos were at some road block and having difficulty getting passed. The whispered Spanish had a strained tone.

It was 6:45pm and the Bar was starting to fill up. Civilians also frequented Big Bill’s, especially on a Friday night when lots of sailors wanted to sleep ashore. The Navy at Pearl Harbor was very relaxed about weekends, and what the sailors did, and with whom. Once you got away on Friday afternoon, they didn’t mind not seeing you until Monday morning. This languid attitude was strongly influenced by the sheer beauty of Hawaii and the numerous social facilities for officers.

On the USS Nevada, Chief Petty Officer Walsh was different. He insisted on a midnight curfew on Sunday night. Johnnie and his crew always kept the curfew and never caused trouble. As a part of Mr. Walsh’s gang, Johnnie Torrio was expected to set an example. Trouble made, was trouble repaid with interest, by Mr. Walsh.

“Have you ever tried cocaine?”

Bill looked at Johnnie with a fading smile.

“Yes I have. I