He was aboard the USS California during the Attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and was reported lost in action before being found as a survivor.

[3][7] In a plan to give active duty to more reservists, Storer was one of 11 men assigned to the first group from the sixth division.

The damage had caused a power outage, spraying steam and ammunition had to be manually loaded into anti-air craft guns.

He swam until a boat rescued him and brought him back to the USS California, where he made an attempt to help save the ship.

[6] A melancholy was held on Christmas with Portland Mayor Earl Riley as the presenter of a miniature flag and pedestal with Storer's name and rank engraved.

[18][5] On January 1, 1942, a telegram from Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs arrived.The Navy Department is glad to inform you that your son Melvin Tyler Storer, shipfitter third class, U.S.

[12] In 1947, Storer was recruited as a naval diver to search Odell Lake[19] for two fishermen who went missing and believed to have drowned.