Oldest Pearl Harbor veteran Vaughn P. Drake Jr. passes away at 106

In the historical context of World War II, a significant moment occurred on December 7, 1941, when Japan executed a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, significantly altering the course of the conflict. Vaughn P. Drake Jr., an Army engineer stationed at Kaneohe Naval Air Station in Hawaii, was only 23 years old at the time of the attack. As he recalled, the sudden assault caught him and his fellow soldiers off guard. Initially, they believed the planes overhead belonged to U.S. forces, mistaking the attack for military maneuvers due to their assumptions about Japan's capabilities. This disbelief was shattered only when they witnessed actual destruction from the bombs striking their base. Having survived this pivotal moment, Drake went on to participate in numerous military campaigns, including the Battle of Saipan in 1944, a significant battle that resulted in substantial casualties for both American and Japanese forces. This battle has often been compared to the D-Day invasion at Normandy due to its impact on the Pacific Theater of the war. Throughout his military career, Drake received several honors for his service, including prestigious medals and recognition by veteran organizations. His extraordinary life and service were remembered by many, with interviews capturing his thoughts during the attack, indicating a sense of disbelief and shock among soldiers during the harrowing experience. On April 7, 2023, Vaughn P. Drake Jr. passed away at the age of 106, marking the end of an era and the loss of a voice from a critical time in American history.