Medal of Honor: Franklin Van Valkenburgh – World War II – December 7, 1941
On the bridge of USS Arizona, one captain remained at his battle station through fire, explosions, and chaos—fighting his ship to the last moment before a catastrophic magazine blast claimed his life.
December 9, 2025
Name: Franklin Van Valkenburgh
Rank: Captain
Organization: U.S. Navy
Unit: USS Arizona (BB-39)
Place and Date: Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii – 7 December 1941
Entered Service At: Wisconsin
Born: April 5, 1888 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Departed: December 7, 1941 (Killed in Action)
Accredited To: Wisconsin
Summary of Action
As Japanese aircraft descended upon Pearl Harbor, Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh rushed to the bridge of USS Arizona, choosing to command his ship from its most exposed position rather than sheltering in the armored conning tower. From there he directed the battleship’s response—coordinating fire, issuing orders, and standing firm amid the blasts and smoke ripping across Battleship Row.
The Arizona took multiple bomb hits in the opening minutes of the attack. Despite the growing fires and the danger of further strikes, Captain Van Valkenburgh remained on the bridge, refusing to abandon his post or his men. Moments later, a massive bomb penetrated near the forward magazines, triggering a catastrophic explosion that tore the ship apart and killed over 1,100 of her crew.
Captain Van Valkenburgh was last seen still at his station, fighting his ship until the final instant.
Medal of Honor Citation
