October 6, 1944

The ship’s bell from the U.S.S. Arizona has been promised the University of Arizona at the close of hostilities, according to word received recently by Gov. Sidney P. Osborn. The huge bronze bell, was retrieved from the battleship Arizona which was sunk in Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

An alumnus of this university, Capt. Wilbur Bowers, ’27, is credited by A. L. Slonaker, graduate manager, as instigator of the plan to solicit possession of the bell. The plan was referred to Gov. Osborn who sent a request to Rear Admiral R. M. Griffin, commandant of the Puget Sound Naval Yard, Bremerton, Wash., where the bell is now located. The commandant expressed approval of the request that the bell of the U.S.S. Arizona be sent to Arizona, but suggested that it remain at the navy yard as an inspiration to service men until the war is over.

OSBORN ASSURED

Secretary of Navy Forrestal assured Gov. Osborn this September that the bel will be presented to the state at the close of hostilities. “”Since the possession by the state of Arizona of the bell of the U.S.S. Arizona would be greatly appreciated by the people of the state for reasons of sentiment and patriotism, the navy department is glad to give its consent to the proposed transfer to be made at the close of the war,”” Forrestal advised Gov. Osborn. He added that the bell is a center of attraction at the navy yard, a grim reminder of the job ahead, and is rung daily.

“”Its presence and tone convey inspiration to the thousands of men working here or passing through on their way to combat ships of our fleet,”” Griffin declared.

There has been scattered journalistic agitation throughout the state that the bell should be placed in a more public site. However, as the situation now stands it will be placed on campus.