(TheProudRepublic.com) – Going down in history as one of the greatest patriots to exist, the last USS Utah survivor of Pearl Harbor has passed away at 105.
This death not only closes a chapter on one of America’s most defining moments but also serves as a reminder of the decreasing number of World War II veterans who fought to preserve our freedoms.
Warren “Red” Upton, the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, died in Los Gatos, California.
His passing came shortly after the 83rd anniversary of the attack that saw America get involved in World War II.
This conflict would reshape the global order and cement the United States as a superpower.
On December 7, 1941, the 22-year-old petty officer was aboard the USS Utah when Japanese torpedoes struck.
As the ship began to capsize, Upton’s quick thinking and courage allowed him to escape and even assist a fellow sailor to safety.
In a testament to his character, Upton remained open about his experiences at Pearl Harbor throughout his life, ensuring that future generations would never forget the price of freedom.
“It was quite an inferno […] they were strafing us still,” Upton recalled in a 2021 interview, painting a clear picture of the chaos and destruction that unfolded that day.
Upton’s passing is a reminder of the quickly disappearing generation of World War II veterans.
Of the nearly 87,000 military personnel present on Oahu during the attack, only 15 remain alive today.
The USS Utah, where Upton served, remains partially submerged at Pearl Harbor – a permanent memorial to the 58 crew members who lost their lives that day.
Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, died Wednesday at age 105. pic.twitter.com/3jZ44UlYSl
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) December 27, 2024
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