Oldest living survivor of attack on Pearl Harbor dies at 105
Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah, has passed away at the age of 105. His death marks the end of an era for those who experienced the devastating events of December 7, 1941.
On that fateful day, Japanese planes launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, thrusting the United States into World War II. The USS Utah, a battleship where Upton was stationed, was moored at the harbor when the attack began. The ship was hit by torpedoes, causing it to list and eventually capsize.
Upton, then just 22 years old, recounted the chaos and confusion of that morning. He was in the midst of getting ready to shave when the first torpedo struck the Utah. With no warning, the ship started to shake violently as the second torpedo hit. Upton managed to swim ashore to Ford Island, where he sought shelter in a trench to evade the strafing Japanese planes. After about 30 minutes, he was rescued and taken to safety by a passing truck.
Despite the passage of time, Upton remained haunted by the loss of his fellow shipmates. Over the years, he witnessed the dwindling number of survivors from the Utah, with only three remaining besides himself by 2020. With Upton’s passing, that number has now dropped to just 15 out of the estimated 87,000 military personnel who were on Oahu during the attack.
Warren Upton’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II. His memories of that infamous day will live on, ensuring that future generations never forget the courage and resilience shown by the men and women who endured the horrors of Pearl Harbor. Warren Upton may be gone, but his legacy as a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in American history will continue to inspire and educate for years to come.
