Warren Upton, Last USS Utah Survivor, Passes at 105

Warren Upton, recognized as the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, has passed away in Los Gatos, California. His death marks the end of a significant era as he was the final remaining survivor of the USS Utah.

Warren Upton succumbed to pneumonia on Wednesday, as confirmed by Kathleen Farley, California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. While the attack on Pearl Harbor is etched into history, Upton’s personal account offers a vivid depiction of the day’s events. The USS Utah, a battleship, was moored in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese forces launched their assault on December 7, 1941.

Recalling the attack in a 2020 interview with the Associated Press, Upton described preparing to shave when he felt the initial torpedo strike the ship. Unaware of the cause at first, chaos quickly unfolded as a second torpedo hit, causing the vessel to tip and begin to capsize. At 22 years old, Upton managed to swim to safety on Ford Island, taking cover in a trench to evade strafing Japanese aircraft until he was rescued.

Throughout his life, Upton remained open about sharing his experiences from that fateful day, despite the pain of losing comrades over the years. He noted that by 2020, he was one of just three crew members from the Utah still alive. His willingness to recount these memories serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and experiences shared by those who witnessed the attack.

Military historian J. Michael Wenger provides further context, noting the presence of approximately 87,000 military personnel on Oahu at the time of the attack. With Upton’s passing, only 15 survivors remain, underscoring the dwindling firsthand accounts of this historic moment.

Warren Upton’s passing not only closes a chapter in the annals of Pearl Harbor history but also emphasizes the valuable testimonies of those who lived through it. His life serves as a testament to resilience and the enduring legacy of those who experienced the events of December 7, 1941.

Source: Sun-sentinel

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