Edward C. Raymer (1920–1997)

The USS Utah and the USS Arizona are my neighbors. While walking around Ford Island I've often looked at the ships, calculating what it must have been like to find yourself under the water in such a picturesque place for such a horrifying reason. This memoir connects you with the experience of being a diver in the darkest, murkiest, most gory water you could ever imagine. While CDR Raymer is brief in his explanations, there are a few parts that put you in the hesitant shoes of those brave divers when they encounter bodies, something you may not want to know, but should understand to respect the continued challenges placed on our veterans after the attack. While the primary story within Descent into Darkness refers to the experience of diving and salvage, I enjoyed sections devoted to describing their liberty (time off) in 1940s Oahu. In this book, CDR Raymer describes visiting Hotel Street, Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel; places you might be familiar with if you've spent any time on Oahu. I guarantee you'll never look at Hanauma Bay the same again. In conclusion, if you have any interest in history, have lived on Ford Island, served in the military, or hold any curiosity about the real Pearl Harbor story, I'd recommend reading this book. You will have a renewed understanding and respect for the sailors and service members tasked with restoring Pearl Harbor and strengthening the Pacific Fleet after December 7th, 1941.… (mehr)

Excellent. I highly recommend it. It is not a dry discussion of the salvage techniques, etc. Its a "What I did in the War" book. He participated in the salvage of several BBs and in late summer 1942, he joins a salvage and repair group off of Guadalcanal, witnessing the early battles in Ironbottom Sound. The ship he was on at the time (USS Seminole) was lost in combat and he was adrift for a short while. He mentioned that several accounts of the actions of the Seminole are incorrect as well as the repairs he did to the Portland before it made its way to Australia.
It is a quick read, I think you would enjoy it.… (mehr)