Lou Conter, the last remaining survivor of the Japanese bombing of the USS Arizona battleship in Pearl Harbor, passed away at the age of 102 at his home in Grass Valley, California. Conter, who served nearly three decades in the US Navy, was one of only 335 Naval officers who survived the attack on the Arizona on December 7, 1941. The surprise bombing killed 1,177 sailors and marines aboard the ship, leading to the US entering World War II.
Conter was a quartermaster aboard the Arizona and witnessed the horrific attack firsthand. He described a bomb crashing through the ship’s deck and igniting the gunpowder stored inside, causing flames to engulf the vessel. Many sailors were injured and killed, and those who survived had to battle the fire for days. The Arizona ultimately sank, with the bodies of over 900 sailors and marines still inside, along with significant damage to other battleships in the harbor.
After the Pearl Harbor attack, Conter went on to become part of the Navy’s “Black Cats” squadron, where he survived another attack after being shot down near New Guinea in 1943. His survival instinct and determination to make it through difficult situations led him to become the Navy’s first-ever SERE officer, training others on survival and escape tactics in wartime scenarios. Conter retired from the Navy in 1967 after 28 years of service.
Throughout his life, Conter shared his experiences of the Pearl Harbor attack and his wartime service, emphasizing the heroic sacrifices made by those who lost their lives that day. Following his passing, only 19 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack remain alive. Conter’s daughter, Louann Daley, expressed gratitude that her father did not suffer and is now at peace, reunited with his late wife Valerie. Conter’s legacy as a survivor and a dedicated military officer will continue to be honored in remembrance ceremonies held by the Navy each year on December 7.
Lou Conter’s passing marks the end of an era as the last surviving witness to the Pearl Harbor attack, highlighting the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives that day. His story of survival and service in the Navy serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience displayed by those who have served in the military. Conter’s dedication to training others on survival tactics and his unwavering commitment to serving his country are part of a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
