Warren Upton, the last living survivor of the USS Utah and the oldest living survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, has died at the age of 105.
Upton passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, surrounded by his loving family after a short hospital stay.
A Hero’s Story
Upton was just 22 years old when he served as a radioman on the USS Utah during the Pearl Harbor attack. He was one of the lucky ones who escaped the sinking ship by swimming to Ford Island. But he didn’t just save himself – he also helped another man who couldn’t swim to safety.
The USS Utah’s Tragic Fate
The USS Utah was struck by two torpedoes during the early minutes of the attack, causing it to capsize. Of the 58 crew members who lost their lives, many were trapped inside the ship as it rolled over. Today, the wreck serves as a memorial at Pearl Harbor.
A Life of Service
Upton continued to serve as a radioman during World War II and later started a family with his wife Gene, who sadly passed away in 2018. In a 2020 interview, Upton recalled the moment the first torpedo struck the USS Utah, saying that nobody on board understood why the ship had shaken ahead of the second torpedo, which then caused it to capsize.
The Last of a Generation
Upton’s death marks the passing of an era. With his gone, only 15 of the 87,000 military personnel who were on Oahu on December 7, 1941, are still alive today. Just a few months ago, fellow Pearl Harbor survivor Lou Conter, the last known survivor of the USS Arizona battleship, passed away at age 102.
Remembering Lou Conter
Conter was serving as a quartermaster on the USS Arizona when it was attacked. He went on to serve in three wars, flew in 200 missions as a pilot, and retired in 1967 after nearly 30 years in the Navy.
Upton’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during World War II. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy live on as a reminder of the importance of honoring our veterans.