Valley Veteran recalls Pearl Harbor on 70th anniversary

PEORIA, AZ - Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

On December 7th, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, which helped draw the United States into World War II. Valley Veteran Nelson Mitchell still vividly remembers the attack.

"I didn't know what was happening, I was afraid," Mitchell said. "I was trembling."

Mitchell served as a cook on the USS Jarvis. His ship sustained minimal damage as it was tied up for repairs, away from the attack.

"[I was] hoping and praying that they didn't hit that ship," he said.

Mitchell was only 21 years old at the time of the attack and is 91 now.

After leaving the military, he worked in civil service, started a family and has grown roses in his yard for the past six decades.

Despite witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitchell told ABC15 he's led a good life since that day.

"I've had my health [and] got my strength," he said. "You don't know how blessed I am."