Tragic loss: last survivor of the USS Utah, Warren Upton, dies at 105

Warren Upton passed away at the age of 105 at a hospital in Los Gatos, California, after battling pneumonia. He was the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, which took place on December 7, 1941, and he was the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah. During the attack, Upton, who was 22 at the time, experienced the chaos firsthand as Japanese planes bombed the naval base, leading to the sinking of the Utah. He vividly recounted the events, noting how he felt the initial torpedo impact and later swam ashore to safety amidst the turmoil. Over the years, Upton shared his story with many, feeling compelled to keep alive the memory of the attack, as well as his fallen shipmates. While he cherished recounting his experiences, he expressed sorrow at losing many of his fellow crew members, emphasizing the personal toll the passage of time has taken on those who endured that fateful day. As of late 2020, he was one of just three surviving crew members from the USS Utah, a stark reminder of the diminishing numbers of those who witnessed key moments in history firsthand. The attack on Pearl Harbor was pivotal in prompting the United States' entry into World War II. It was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service and resulted in significant losses for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, including multiple ships and thousands of military personnel. This event led to a profound change in American military and foreign policy, shaping the course of the war and affecting generations to come. After Upton's passing, only 15 Pearl Harbor survivors remain, underscoring the urgency and importance of remembering their stories as time passes. In addition to being a survivor, Upton was an active member of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, an organization dedicated to honoring the legacy of those who experienced the attack. His life and memories serve as a testament to bravery and resilience, highlighting the personal sacrifices made during one of America’s defining moments in military history.