LEWISTON – Edward Royal of Lewiston, an acting corporal attached to the U.S. Army Hawaiian Military Police, was doing traffic duty in Pearl City on Dec. 7, 1941.

Royal was about 400 yards across from Ford Island, where the major part of the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet was anchored. He saw the Japanese planes overhead, fly over battleship row and he saw the destruction that followed.

Royal said there was panic all over the area and it remained for many days following the bombings. He remained at his post for several days until he was relieved.

Royal stayed in the Army, serving for 20 years and returning home as a major. He resides at Montello Heights and is a life member of Post 22, American Legion.