Elmer Pershing Schlund and the USS Arizona

My Schlund family has had members most of the major wars, one member that served in WW2 is my first cousin twice removed, Elmer Pershing Schlund. His father was Harry Fidel Schlund, who was one of Max Schlund Sr.'s children. 

Elmer was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of Sunday, December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese launched a surprise attack. The majority of the crew members were either killed by the explosion and fire or were trapped with in the rapidly sinking ship. Of the 1400 aboard the Arizona on that fateful day, 1177 perished. 

The USS ARIZONA engulfed in flames. 

The book Battleship Arizona: An Illustrated History tells the story of how Elmer Schlund's life was almost spared. Machinist's Mate First Class Reid and his wife Barbara had went out for a birthday dinner and drinks that Saturday night. They returned to their studio apartment accompanied by Elmer Schlund, also a Machinist's Mate First Class. The Reids offered to set up a place for Schlund to sleep on the floor so he would not have to make the trip back to the ship. He declined their offer saying he preferred to sleep on board the ship. The following day Schlund died because of an innocent choice that had drastic consequences. 

Elmer Pershing Schlund 

Here is a picture showing Elmer's name on the USS Arizona Memorial.