Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona battleship that sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has passed away at the age of 102. The battleship lost 1,177 sailors and Marines in the 1941 attack, with nearly half of those killed being from the Arizona. Conter was on the main deck of the Arizona when the assault began, and he witnessed the devastation caused by the bombs that set off a massive explosion on the ship. Despite the chaos, he and other survivors worked to tend to the injured and rescue those still alive before abandoning ship.
After the Pearl Harbor attack, Conter went on to flight school and became a pilot flying PBY patrol bombers in the Pacific. He flew numerous combat missions and survived being shot down near New Guinea in 1943, demonstrating his resilience and determination to survive in challenging circumstances. In the late 1950s, he became the Navy’s first SERE officer, training pilots and crew on how to survive if shot down and captured as a prisoner of war. His expertise and lessons helped many who experienced similar situations, including those held as POWs during the Vietnam War.
Conter’s life story is one of courage and service to his country. Born in Wisconsin in 1921, he enlisted in the Navy after turning 18 and dedicated 28 years of his life to the military. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, he remained grateful for his family’s care and expressed love for them before his passing. With his death, only 19 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack remain, highlighting the dwindling number of eyewitnesses to one of the defining moments in American history.
In his later years, Conter participated in annual remembrance ceremonies at Pearl Harbor, either in person or through video messages when he was unable to attend. He emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the attack, stating that they were the true heroes. His humility and respect for his fallen comrades reflect the values of service and sacrifice that defined his generation. The legacy of Lou Conter and his fellow survivors serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience shown by those who lived through the events of December 7, 1941.
The family of Lou Conter plans to bury him in Grass Valley next to his late wife Valerie, with whom he shared many years of marriage. His passing marks the end of an era for those who witnessed the tragedy of Pearl Harbor firsthand. As the number of survivors dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to preserve their stories and honor their sacrifices for future generations. Lou Conter’s legacy as a survivor, aviator, and instructor will continue to inspire and educate others about the enduring impact of that fateful day in American history.
