The last living survivor of the USS Utah, sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, has passed away at 105, marking the end of an era.
It’s time to pay our respects.
At a Glance
- Warren “Red” Upton, the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, died at 105
- Upton was the last survivor of the USS Utah, sunk during the 1941 attack
- He passed away on Christmas Day in Los Gatos, California, due to pneumonia
- Only 15 known Pearl Harbor attack survivors remain after Upton’s death
- Upton’s passing marks the end of direct witness accounts from the USS Utah
A Hero’s Final Salute
Warren “Red” Upton, the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and the last remaining crew member of the USS Utah, has passed away at the age of 105. Upton’s death on Christmas Day in Los Gatos, California, closes a significant chapter in American history, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience that defined the Greatest Generation.
Upton’s remarkable life spanned over a century, bearing witness to monumental changes in the world. Born in 1918, he joined the Navy and found himself at the epicenter of one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history – the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, dies at 105 https://t.co/vejD7EnfOo
— THV11 (@THV11) December 28, 2024
A Day That Lives in Infamy
On that fateful Sunday morning, Upton was serving as a radioman aboard the USS Utah when Japanese torpedoes struck the ship. As the vessel began to sink, Upton’s quick thinking and bravery allowed him to survive the initial onslaught. He swam ashore to Ford Island and sought shelter in a trench to evade the ongoing aerial assault.
“I stayed there for about 30 minutes until a truck came and picked us up,” Warren Upton said.
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,333 American deaths and 1,139 injuries. President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously declared it a day “that will live in infamy,” propelling the United States into World War II. Upton’s survival was a testament to the fortitude displayed by American servicemen during those chaotic hours.
Following World War II, Upton returned home to build a life that embodied the American dream. He married Gene, a former Navy nurse, and started a family. Throughout his post-war years, Upton frequently shared his experiences, though the loss of his shipmates weighed heavily on him as time passed.
By 2020, only three crew members of the USS Utah, including Upton, remained alive. His passing leaves a void in the living memory of that historic day, with only 15 known survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack still with us. Of the approximately 87,000 military personnel on Oahu during the attack, these remaining few are the last eyewitnesses to a moment that changed the course of history.
Preserving the Legacy
As we bid farewell to Warren Upton, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the stories and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. Their experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the strength of the American spirit in the face of adversity.
Upton’s life story, spanning from the early 20th century to the digital age, encapsulates the dramatic changes our nation has undergone. His passing not only marks the end of an individual life but also symbolizes the fading of a generation that shaped the modern world through their courage and determination.
As we honor Warren Upton’s memory, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience that he and his fellow servicemen exemplified. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide us, ensuring that the lessons of Pearl Harbor and the triumphs of the Greatest Generation are never forgotten.
