December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in American history forever. On that Sunday morning, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack, which killed 2,403 Americans and destroyed much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, drew the United States into World War II.
Today, only 16 survivors of the attack remain, and they are all in their 90s. Despite their advanced age, these survivors continue to share their stories of bravery and sacrifice, ensuring that the legacy of Pearl Harbor lives on.
One of the survivors is 98-year-old Donald Stratton, who was a 19-year-old sailor on the USS Arizona when it was attacked. Stratton was one of only 334 survivors from the Arizona, which lost 1,177 crew members. He remembers the day vividly, recalling the sound of explosions and the smell of smoke and oil.
“I was on the boat deck, and I saw the Japanese planes coming in,” Stratton said in an interview. “I knew we were in trouble. I just didn’t know how much trouble.”
Stratton was burned on over 60% of his body and spent several months in the hospital recovering. Despite his injuries, he remained in the Navy and served for another 20 years.
Another survivor is 97-year-old Lou Conter, who was a 20-year-old sailor on the USS Arizona. Conter was one of the last survivors to leave the ship, and he remembers the chaos and confusion as the crew tried to respond to the attack.
“It was like a nightmare,” Conter said. “I couldn’t believe what was happening. I just did what I was trained to do and tried to help my fellow sailors.”
Conter also spent several months in the hospital recovering from his injuries, but he returned to duty and served for another 20 years.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, and it marked the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II. The bravery and sacrifice of the sailors and soldiers who were stationed at Pearl Harbor that day will never be forgotten.
In 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated to honor the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on the ship. The memorial, which spans the length of the sunken ship, is one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii.
In 2019, the USS Missouri Memorial Association dedicated a new exhibit to the survivors of the USS Arizona. The exhibit features personal artifacts and stories from the survivors, including Stratton and Conter.
The legacy of Pearl Harbor extends beyond the survivors and the memorial. The attack led to a massive increase in military production and mobilization, which helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies.
It also led to significant changes in American society, including the internment of Japanese Americans and the mobilization of women and minorities into the workforce.
As the number of survivors dwindles, it is more important than ever to preserve the history of Pearl Harbor. The National Park Service, which operates the USS Arizona Memorial, offers guided tours and educational programs to ensure that the legacy of the attack is never forgotten.
The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, which was established in 1958, also works to preserve the history of the attack. The association has chapters across the United States and provides support to survivors and their families.
As the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor approaches, the remaining survivors will gather to share their stories and honor the memory of their fellow sailors and soldiers. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
