Upton’s passing marks the end of an era for those who survived the Pearl Harbor attack, as he was the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah, a battleship that was moored at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. At the age of 105, Upton died after a battle with pneumonia in a hospital in California. His stories of survival, including swimming ashore to Ford Island and seeking refuge in a trench to avoid Japanese planes, provided a first-hand account of the horrors of that fateful day. Despite his willingness to share his experiences, Upton was saddened by the loss of many of his shipmates over the years.
The attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into World War II, and the memories of that day have not faded for those who experienced it firsthand. Upton’s recollection of feeling the first torpedo hit the USS Utah while getting ready to shave, followed by the ship listing and capsizing after a second torpedo, highlights the chaos and destruction of the attack. With only 15 surviving military personnel from Oahu on the day of the attack still alive after Upton’s passing, the number of eyewitnesses to history is dwindling. The significance of their stories and the sacrifices made on that day are a reminder of the impact of war on individuals and nations.
Upton’s legacy as the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah is a testament to his resilience and courage in the face of adversity. His willingness to share his story with others and educate future generations about the events of that day demonstrates his commitment to honoring the memory of those who served and sacrificed. As one of the few remaining eyewitnesses to the attack, Upton’s passing marks the end of an era and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the stories of those who lived through historic events.
The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, led by Kathleen Farley, mourn the loss of Warren Upton and pay tribute to his service and sacrifice during the attack on Pearl Harbor. As the California state chair of the organization, Farley works to ensure that the stories of survivors like Upton are remembered and honored for future generations. The passing of Upton serves as a reminder of the duty to preserve the memory of those who served in the military and the importance of learning from the past to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
While Upton’s death marks the end of an era for those who survived the Pearl Harbor attack, his legacy lives on through the stories he shared and the impact he made on those who knew him. His experiences during the attack and his subsequent life serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who serve in the military. As the number of surviving witnesses to historic events like Pearl Harbor continues to decrease, it becomes all the more important to remember and honor their sacrifices and contributions to history. Warren Upton may be gone, but his memory and the memories of those who served with him will always be remembered.
The passing of Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah, is a somber reminder of the impact of war and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. As the number of eyewitnesses to historic events like Pearl Harbor dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to preserve and honor their stories for future generations. Warren Upton’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he made on the preservation of history. Rest in peace, Warren Upton, and may your memory inspire others to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who served.
