Warren Upton, who held the distinction of being the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, has passed away at the age of 105. His death marks the end of an era, as he was the final survivor of the USS Utah, a battleship that fell victim to the infamous attack that brought the United States into World War II.
Warren Upton died from pneumonia at a hospital in Los Gatos, California. Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, confirmed his passing. A pivotal figure in history, Upton was aboard the USS Utah when Japanese forces unexpectedly bombed the Pearl Harbor naval base on December 7, 1941. This event, often remembered as a turning point in world history, propelled the United States into World War II.
Recalling the harrowing experience, Upton shared in 2020 that he was preparing to shave when the first torpedo struck the Utah. Initially unaware of the cause of the tremors, the young 22-year-old soon realized the gravity of the situation as the ship began to tilt and eventually capsize after a second torpedo hit. Demonstrating presence of mind and courage, Upton swam ashore to Ford Island, seeking refuge in a trench to evade the strafing Japanese aircraft. After approximately half an hour of tense waiting, rescue arrived in the form of a truck transporting him to safety.
In conversations with the press, Upton expressed willingness to recount the ordeal of that fateful day. Despite his openness to discuss the attack, he frequently referenced the continuous loss of his shipmates over the years as a more significant emotional burden. By the year 2020, only three members of the USS Utah’s crew were still alive, himself included. As of now, military historian J. Michael Wenger reports that merely 15 military personnel who were stationed on Oahu during the attack remain alive.
Warren Upton’s passing not only closes a chapter in the personal lives of those who knew him but also in the collective memory of a significant historical event. His experiences serve as both a reminder of the unexpected challenges of that day and a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who lived through it. As we reflect on history, the stories of individuals like Upton ensure that the events of Pearl Harbor remain etched in our collective consciousness.
Source: Wsvn
