On a recent travel writing assignment along California’s Coastal Highway 1 Discovery Route, I was amazed to uncover a piece of little known history relating to California’s role in World War II and, perhaps, a partial answer to a stain on FDR’s presidential legacy.
World War II
In 1940, the Navy had already established a presence in Morro Bay with its amphibious training base. On Dec. 7, 1941, “A Day That Will Live In Infamy,” Pearl Harbor was attacked. On Dec. 8, the U.S. declared war on Japan and, interestingly, the same day Japan declared war on America and the British Empire.
What is less well known, by mid-December, nine Japanese submarines were active, plying the Pacific Ocean and sea lanes off the coast of California near Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Mendocino, Monterrey and San Luis Obispo in search of tankers. Eleven U.S. vessels carrying oil and lumber were attacked, but only one was sunk.
In the early morning of Dec. 23, 1941, Union Oil’s 8,000-ton Montebello left Port San Luis heading for Vancouver, Canada. It was intercepted by a Japanese submarine in the early morning about four miles offshore and, although defensive steps were taken, it was struck by a torpedo and sunk in 20 minutes. Four lifeboats heading for shore were shelled and shot at, but luckily there were no casualties among the 36 sailors.
The tugboat Alma was one of the rescue vessels which picked up crew members in two of the lifeboats. The Alma is now part of the Morro Bay Maritime Association and displayed in town on the Embarcadero. Post Pearl Harbor and the sub attacks, Morro Bay and Rock was used by military recruits for ship boarding practice, beach landings and assault training.
Can it be a coincidence that, after this enemy activity in U.S. waters off the coast of California, FDR issued an executive order on Feb. 19,1942, leading to the unfortunate internment of Japanese-Americans?
Morro Bay to do list
Morro Bay lies in the middle of California’s Highway 1 Discovery Route’s “101 miles of adventure.” Stroll the Embarcadero and take in the museums, art galleries, curio shops, boutiques, charter/fishing boats, etc. Stop by the MCV tasting room, www.MCVwines.com, to sample their excellent wines. Follow the Embarcadero path out to Morro Rock, one of California’s most photographed spots, a designated State Historical Landmark. An easy walk is the .6 mile Marina Peninsula Trail, which loops by the Morro Bay Estuary. Keep your camera handy.
Where to eat
The area is an agricultural cornucopia — farm to table dining, the freshest seafood imaginable, plus local vineyards and wineries galore. My restaurant recommendations are all conveniently clustered along the Embarcadero overlooking Morro Bay and the Rock.
Blue Skye Cafe — locals flock here for breakfast (served all day), lunch and dinner. Don’t miss their daily desserts. www.BlueSkyCafe.com
Dorn’s Original Breaker’s Cafe — first opened in 1942, the third generation of the family now runs the place. www.DornsCafe.com
Tognazznini’s Dockside — three casual choices: restaurant, fish market/patio or Smokehouse & Pub. www.MorroBayDockside.com
Dutchman’s Seafood House — Norwegian roots, plus owning and operating their own dock provides the backdrop for this family run establishment, www.DutchmansSeafoodHouse.com
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar —serving produce and vegetables direct from their chef’s family farm gives a clue to their food commitment, www.GalleyMorroBay.com
Windows on the Water — award winning dining and an extensive wine list. Its tagline, “fine California cuisine on the water,” is apt. www.WindowsMB.com
Pappagallo II — for something special, check the event calendar for Morro Bay’s luxury cruise yacht and enjoy the hospitality of Chef and author (Chasing the Heat) Len Gentieu and his wife, Midge. www.OnboardNauticalEvents.com
Where to stay
Overlooking Morro Bay and Rock, the Blue Sail Inn is TripAdvisor four-star rated and perfectly located two blocks from the Embarcadero. They feature free parking, wi-fi, continental breakfast, and in-room microwave. www.BlueSailInn.com
For more information, go to these websites: www.MorroBay.org, www.Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com and www.MorroBayMaritime.org.
Wrap up
Thanks to Jerry Praver for his interview time and for providing a copy of his well documented manuscript, “The Sinking of the Montebello.” Also to the Historical Society of Morro Bay for “Images of Morro Bay” written by Roger Castle and Gary Ream (Arcadia Publishing). Kudos to SGM Daniel Sebby, State Military Museums Curator, for his insights and personal tour of Camp San Luis.
Enjoy the journey …
Comments
About the Author
