COLUMBUS (WCMH) — It’s a day 95-year-old World War II veteran Milton Mapou will never forget. December 7, 1941.

Mapou was aboard a ship when he got a horrific surprise.

“That morning I come running top side after we heard an explosion,” said Mapou. “I seen this plane coming in and I yelled ‘meatball, meatball!'”

Japan had launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

“The pilot was so low, I could see his face,” said Mapou. “He dropped his torpedo which went right across our bow and right into Ford Island and missed us.”

Mapou said he saw battle ships explode and sink around him. He hasn’t been back to Pearl Harbor since then but it still feels like yesterday.

Each year Mapou takes time to reflect on it all.

“December 7, it  brings back memories of what happened that day and I think about it,” said Mapou. “I just sit by myself, get away from everybody, finally after a while I’m okay.”

Friends, family and other supporters wanted to give Mapou an opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor again so they raised money for a trip.

Mapou said he’s nervous and excited to return. He already knows what he’ll do first.

“Get over there and see where my ship was,” said Mapou.