Pearl Harbor Day
by Ann Marie Kennon parts of this story adapted from a contribution from Karen Dooley photos courtesy of Karen Dooley
Sonny Boy's Journey Home Karen recalls, "Anna Belle said her brother would always do without so she could have shoes to make the daily walk to school. He could not bear to see his little sister struggle in any manner." He was playful with his younger brother, Karen's father, and fooled him into believing his belly button was a scar from being shot in the belly with an arrow.
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his December 7 will be very special to Karen Dooley's family. Her uncle, Charles Louis "Sonny Boy" Saunders will finally be laid to rest, 80 years after his death in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Karen, who lives in Georgetown, was inspired by her aunt Anna Belle, Sonny Boy's younger sister, to share the story about the man who will be arriving at his hometown of Winnie, Texas. "He left us at age 17," Karen says, "and didn't get to leave a memory in the family he would have had. Happily, my aunt inspired me to do more and more research to find out about my family in the past." Karen exudes much pride talking about her aunt and cousins' efforts to hold on to remnants of family history. "My parents died young and we just didn't know what to look for so, for me, it was a great treasure hunt for memories."
IN THE NAVY Sonny Boy served as Seaman, Second Class on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on Ford Island in Hawaii. He was one of 429 sailors and marines killed in port when the Oklahoma was attacked by Japanese forces Above: Sonny Boy's last school photo December 4, 1941. He was postBelow: With Anna Belle in 1932 humously awarded a Purple Heart for Military Merit and three ribbons: American Defense, American Campaign, and Asiatic Pacific Campaign.
"SONNY BOY" Sonny Boy was born to Mortimer and Melina on October 16, 1923. He was a very caring, kind, and playful child growing up. In fact, his family says, his decision to join the Navy one month after his 17th birthday was just one example of his character; a strong desire to serve his country but an even greater desire to help his family. Times were difficult, of course, growing up in the Great Depression. Mortimer worked in construction and in rice fields to support the family while Melina raised their children.
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Karen says Anna Belle never lost her passion to bring her brother home and, until the last day of her life, she clung to that hope. She always felt a responsibility for his death because his desire to enlist was grounded in his desire to make life better for his family during hard times.
