‘All hell broke loose’: 104-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor in Moses Lake escaped two sinking ships in Pacific – Sun, 22 Mar 2026 PST

Key Takeaways:

• Pearl Harbor survivor shares firsthand account of the attack.
• At 104, Geb Galle reflects on the day that “all hell broke loose.”
• Served aboard the USS Nevada and witnessed the assault on Battleship Row.
• Managed to escape two sinking ships in the Pacific.
• His story represents resilience and the enduring impact of history.

The Attack Begins

Geb Galle, now 104, was in his U.S. Navy dress whites one Sunday morning, preparing for a routine church service aboard the USS Nevada. As he gazed through a porthole, he was startled to see ominous shapes in the sky—planes flying low and heading straight toward Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor.

“All Hell Broke Loose”

The peaceful scene quickly turned to chaos. As the planes opened fire and bombs fell, Galle and his fellow sailors realized the gravity of what was unfolding. “All hell broke loose,” he later recalled, a phrase that vividly captured the confusion and terror of that morning.

Escaping Two Sinking Ships

While the exact details remain part of Galle’s deep well of memories, he is known to have escaped two sinking ships during his service in the Pacific. This remarkable feat underscores both the severity of the attacks and Galle’s determination to survive. Each narrow escape further cemented his place in history as one of Pearl Harbor’s living witnesses.

Looking Back

Even decades later, Galle’s recollections serve as a bridge to a moment that forever altered American history. He stands as a testament to the experiences of those who endured the attack on Pearl Harbor, reminding us of the resilience that emerges in times of crisis. By sharing his story, Galle honors the memories of those who served alongside him, ensuring that the events of that day, and their lessons, are never forgotten.