Warren Upton, a revered survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, has died at the age of 105.
Upton's passing marks the end of an era as the last surviving member of the USS Utah crew, the Daily Caller reported.
Upton's journey through one of the most pivotal moments in American history began on a tranquil Sunday morning. At just 22, he was about to shave when chaos erupted. "I was about to begin shaving when the first torpedo hit Utah," Upton recounted decades later, illustrating the suddenness of the attack that thrust the U.S. into World War II.
The USS Utah, which was initially moored peacefully at Pearl Harbor, suffered heavy damage from two torpedoes during the assault. Upton described the harrowing moment, "No one on board the battleship knew what caused the ship to start shaking and then, the second torpedo hit, causing the ship to capsize." This left Upton and his shipmates scrambling for safety amidst a barrage of gunfire and explosions.
Heroic Acts and Survival at Pearl Harbor
Amidst the confusion, Upton managed to swim to nearby Ford Island, seeking refuge in a trench to avoid further attacks. About 30 minutes later, a truck passing by rescued him, a twist of fate that likely saved his life and allowed him to share his story for many years to come.
Throughout his life, Upton openly discussed the details of that day, yet he expressed that the staggering loss of his comrades was what deeply affected him over the years. His reflective words in a 2020 interview highlight a sentiment felt by many veterans: the personal toll of war often outweighs the events themselves.
Kathleen Farley, who reported Upton's death to the Associated Press, emphasized, "Upton died after suffering from pneumonia." His brief hospitalization preceded his peaceful passing, surrounded by family as announced by the Pacific Historic Parks on their Facebook page.
Last of the USS Utah's Crew Passes On
With Upton's death, the story of the USS Utah's crew comes to a close. This adds a poignant chapter to the accounts of the survivors who witnessed the horrors of December 7, 1941, firsthand. Of the estimated 87,000 military personnel on Oahu that fateful day, only a handful remains, as noted by military historian J. Michael Wenger.
The attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the deaths of 2,390 Americans, also saw the capture of one Japanese soldier and the deaths of an additional 129 Japanese military personnel. It remains a profoundly significant event in both American and world history, marking the U.S.'s entry into World War II.
Upton's experiences and his subsequent survival of the USS Utah's sinking serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and bravery required in the face of unanticipated disasters. His legacy is carried forward not only by his family but by all who remember Pearl Harbor and the impact it had on the world stage.
Reflecting on a Century of Living History
Warren Upton lived through decades following Pearl Harbor, witnessing changes and technological advancements that were once unimaginable. His longevity allowed him to be a living bridge to a turbulent yet pivotal time in history.
As one of the last three surviving members of the USS Utah by 2020, Upton's passing is especially significant. This loss is felt deeply within the community of historians, veterans, and all who value the lessons learned from the past.
The memory of Warren Upton and his shipmates endures, a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and to remember. Memorial services are expected to be announced, providing an opportunity for the nation to honor his service and his contribution to the collective memory of a significant historical event.
