So, uh...How Many Sailors Can You Fit in an Upside-Down Battleship? (Not a Pick-Up Line)
This isn't your grandpa's "fun fact" about World War II. We're talking about the USS Oklahoma, a mighty battleship that took a one-way trip to naptime during the attack on Pearl Harbor. But hey, everyone loves a good underdog story, especially one where the underdog survives! So, the burning question is: how many sailors managed to escape that watery coffin?
Against All Odds: A Surprisingly Low Body Count (for a Capsized Ship)
Don't get us wrong, the attack on the USS Oklahoma was a horrific tragedy. But here's a surprising twist: thanks to some heroic rescue efforts and the gumption of the crew, there were actually only 32 survivors from the initial attack. That's right, 32! Out of a crew of nearly 1400. Yikes.
Hold on, weren't there like hundreds of survivors they pulled out over the years?
Nope! Those were the lucky ducks who managed to crawl out of hatches or escape the chaos in the initial moments. The rest of the ship remained upside down for years, becoming a watery tomb for many. Finally, in a monumental engineering feat, the Oklahoma was refloated in 1943. Sadly, the technology at the time wasn't quite there to recover everyone. The remaining crew were eventually entombed with full honors in 2021.
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Okay, that's kinda depressing. Let's lighten the mood...
We hear you. How about this? Those 32 survivors? They were some seriously tough cookies. They went on to live incredible lives, a testament to the human spirit and the power of a good life jacket.
## So, How Many Are Still Around Today? (Spoiler Alert: Not Many)
Here's the thing about veterans of a war that happened over 80 years ago: they tend not to be spring chickens. The last known survivor of the USS Arizona passed away just a few years back. As for the Oklahoma? Well, it's safe to say that there are likely no surviving crew members from the attack on the USS Oklahoma.
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## FAQ: You Ask, We Answer (with a Wink )
How to Become a Badass Survivor (Like Those Oklahoma Sailors)
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This one's a tough one. Maybe try joining the swim team? In all seriousness, those guys were heroes, and their bravery is something to remember.
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| How Many Uss Oklahoma Survivors Are Still Alive |
How to Respect Veterans
Treat them with the respect they deserve! Thank them for their service, listen to their stories, and maybe offer to mow their lawn (they might appreciate that these days).
How to Learn More About the USS Oklahoma?
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial [Pearl Harbor National Memorial] is a great place to start. They've got exhibits, tours, and the whole shebang.
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How to Not Capsize Your Kayak (Because That Would Be Embarrassing)
Practice good paddling techniques, don't overload your boat, and maybe avoid rogue waves.
How to Deal with Existential Dread After Learning About History's Darker Sides?
Distract yourself with cat videos! Seriously though, history is full of tough moments, but it's also full of stories of hope and resilience. Focus on those.
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