A decorated World War II veteran who survived one of history's most significant naval attacks has passed away in California.
According to The Daily Caller, Warren Upton, who held the distinction of being both the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor and the final remaining survivor of the USS Utah, died Wednesday at the age of 105 after battling pneumonia.
Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, confirmed Upton's death to the Associated Press. The Pacific Historic Parks announced on Facebook that the veteran died following a brief hospital stay, surrounded by his loved ones.
Upton was merely 22 years old when Japanese forces launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was preparing to shave when the first torpedo struck the USS Utah, causing unprecedented chaos aboard the battleship. The horror intensified when a second torpedo hit, leading to the vessel's capsizing.
In the midst of the attack, Upton demonstrated remarkable survival instincts by swimming to Ford Island. He found temporary safety in a trench, where he remained for approximately 30 minutes before being rescued by a passing truck.
His firsthand account of that fateful day provides invaluable historical documentation of the event that propelled the United States into World War II.
During a 2020 interview with the Associated Press, Upton shared that while discussing the attack didn't trouble him, what truly affected him was the gradual loss of his shipmates over the years. By 2020, only Upton and two other USS Utah crew members remained alive.
Military historian J. Michael Wenger's research reveals the stark reality of fading witnesses to this historic event. Of the estimated 87,000 military personnel stationed on Oahu during the attack, only 15 survivors remain following Upton's death.
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in devastating casualties, with 2,390 Americans losing their lives, according to National Park Service records. On the Japanese side, one soldier was captured, and 129 others perished in the attack, as documented by the National WWII Museum.
The impact of the Pearl Harbor attack extended far beyond the immediate casualties, fundamentally altering the course of World War II and American history. The loss of ships, including the USS Utah, served as a pivotal moment that united the American people in their war effort.
Warren Upton's passing represents more than the loss of a single veteran. His death marks the end of a direct connection to the USS Utah's story during the Pearl Harbor attack. As one of the last remaining witnesses to this pivotal moment in history, his death underscores the increasing importance of preserving these veterans' stories for future generations.
The significance of Upton's life and service extends beyond his role as a Pearl Harbor survivor. His willingness to share his experiences helped ensure that the memories and lessons of December 7, 1941, remain alive in American consciousness. His story serves as a testament to the resilience and courage displayed by the men and women who served during World War II.
Moving forward, the responsibility of maintaining these historical narratives falls to the families of survivors and historical organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of Pearl Harbor. Their efforts ensure that the sacrifices made by Upton and his fellow servicemen continue to educate and inspire future generations.
