The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, is one of the most pivotal moments in American history. On that day, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise assault on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and leading to the United States’ entry into World War II. This year, two Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, have returned to Hawaii to honor the lives lost during the attack.
Herbert Elfring, 104, and Herbert Hansen, 102, are among the last remaining survivors of the attack. Both men were stationed at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack and witnessed the devastating effects firsthand. Elfring, a sailor on the USS Utah, was on board when the ship was torpedoed and capsized, resulting in the loss of 58 lives. Hansen, a Marine on the USS Pennsylvania, was stationed on the ship’s deck when the attack began.
The two veterans have returned to Hawaii to participate in a series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the attack. On December 7, they will attend a ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial, which honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives when the ship was sunk during the attack. They will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the USS Utah Memorial and attend a luncheon hosted by the USS Missouri Memorial Association.
Elfring and Hansen’s return to Pearl Harbor is a significant moment in the commemoration of the attack. As two of the last remaining survivors, they bring a unique perspective to the events and serve as a connection to the past. Their presence also highlights the importance of preserving the history of the attack and honoring the lives lost.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, leading to the United States’ entry into World War II. The surprise assault, which was intended to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansion in Asia, resulted in significant losses for the United States. In addition to the 2,403 Americans killed, 1,178 were wounded, and 18 ships were sunk or damaged.
In the aftermath of the attack, the United States declared war on Japan, and subsequently on Germany and Italy, following the Axis powers’ declarations of war on the United States. The U.S. entry into World War II marked a significant turning point in the conflict, as American troops played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
Today, Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark and is home to several memorials and museums dedicated to the attack and its aftermath. The USS Arizona Memorial, which spans the length of the sunken battleship, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii. The memorial honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives when the ship was sunk during the attack.
The USS Missouri Memorial Association, which is hosting a luncheon for Elfring and Hansen, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the USS Missouri. The USS Missouri, which is now a museum ship, was the site of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which was signed on September 2, 1945, marking the end of World War II.
The return of Elfring and Hansen to Pearl Harbor is a poignant reminder of the significance of the attack and the importance of honoring the lives lost. As two of the last remaining survivors, they bring a unique perspective to the events and serve as a connection to the past.
