A World War II veteran who survived one of history's most significant naval attacks has left behind a remarkable legacy of resilience and remembrance.
According to The Daily Caller, Warren Upton, who held the distinction of being both the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor and the final surviving crew member of the USS Utah, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 105 due to pneumonia complications.
The decorated veteran's death was confirmed by Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, and Pacific Historic Parks announced that he died following a brief hospital stay, surrounded by his loved ones.
At the time of the 1941 attack, Upton was serving aboard the USS Utah battleship, which was moored at Pearl Harbor when Japanese forces initiated their devastating assault.
Upton's firsthand account of December 7, 1941, provides a haunting glimpse into the chaos that unfolded that morning.
He recalled being about to begin his morning shave when the first torpedo struck the USS Utah, creating confusion among the crew, who were initially unaware of what caused the ship's violent shaking. The situation quickly deteriorated when a second torpedo hit, leading to the vessel's capsizing.
The then 22-year-old Upton managed to swim to Ford Island's shore, where he sought refuge in a trench to escape the surrounding enemy aircraft. After approximately 30 minutes of hiding, a passing truck provided his rescue from the dangerous situation.
Military historian J. Michael Wenger noted that of the estimated 87,000 military personnel stationed on Oahu during the attack, only 15 survivors remain following Upton's death. The assault resulted in 2,390 American casualties, while Japanese forces lost 129 soldiers, with one taken prisoner.
In a 2020 interview, Upton demonstrated remarkable composure when discussing the events of that fateful day. However, he expressed deep emotion regarding the gradual loss of his fellow USS Utah shipmates over the decades. By 2020, only Upton and two other crew members of the Utah remained alive.
The loss of Upton represents more than just the passing of an individual; it marks the continued fading of living connections to one of America's most pivotal historical moments. His death leaves an increasingly small number of firsthand witnesses to the attack that propelled the United States into World War II.
The significance of preserving these veterans' stories becomes more crucial as their numbers diminish. Their experiences provide invaluable insights into a defining moment in world history that shaped the course of the 20th century and beyond.
Warren Upton's passing at 105 marks a significant moment in Pearl Harbor's historical narrative, representing the loss of both the oldest living survivor and the last remaining crew member of the USS Utah. His death occurred at a hospital near his home, where he was surrounded by family members after developing pneumonia complications.
The decorated veteran's legacy encompasses not just his survival of the December 7, 1941 attack but also his willingness to share his experiences with future generations. His passing reduces the number of living Pearl Harbor survivors to just 15, highlighting the urgency of preserving their firsthand accounts of this pivotal moment in American history.
