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Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the last remaining crew member of the USS Utah, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 105. He died at a hospital in Los Gatos, California, after a battle with pneumonia. His death marks the end of an era for the surviving veterans of the infamous attack that propelled the United States into World War II.
Upton, then just 22 years old, was aboard the USS Utah when the Japanese launched their surprise strike on December 7, 1941. The battleship, moored in Pearl Harbor, was struck by multiple torpedoes, causing it to list and eventually capsize. Despite the chaos, Upton managed to escape by swimming to safety on nearby Ford Island, all while under fire from strafing Japanese planes. His quick thinking and determination helped him survive the attack, but tragically, the USS Utah sank, taking the lives of many of its crew members.
Throughout World War II, Upton continued his service in the U.S. Navy as a radioman, staying in active duty until the war ended. As one of the few remaining survivors of the USS Utah, he became a living testament to the heroism of that fateful day. By 2020, only three crew members from the USS Utah were still alive, and Upton was the last of them.
In the years following his military service, Upton became a cherished figure among Pearl Harbor survivors and the larger military community. He was an advocate for sharing his story, ensuring that future generations would remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served during that pivotal moment in American history. Upton’s remarkable life was also documented in the book, Warren Upton: A Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Story, co-authored with Denise Armstrong Downey and Don Downey, which chronicles his harrowing experiences during the attack and his life afterward.
Upton’s passing leaves behind just a handful of survivors from the approximately 87,000 military personnel stationed on Oahu that day. The loss of such a prominent figure serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time, and of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II.
Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, paid tribute to Upton, calling him a “true hero” whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations. “He witnessed history firsthand and lived a life of incredible service,” Farley said. “We mourn his passing but are forever grateful for the sacrifice he and so many others made for our country.”
Upton’s passing is a significant loss, not only for his family and friends but for the nation, as it marks the end of an era of living witnesses to the attack on Pearl Harbor. His story, however, will live on, serving as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the men and women who endured the horrors of World War II.