Warren Upton, the last survivor of the USS Utah and the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, passed away at age 105 on Wednesday due to pneumonia in Los Gatos, California.

Upton's passing not only concludes the life of a remarkable witness to the Pearl Harbor attack but also leaves just 15 survivors who can directly recount the horrific events of December 7, 1941. At the age of 22, Upton swam to safety after his ship was struck by Japanese torpedoes, a dramatic escape that underscored his resilience and bravery. As the final representative of the USS Utah, Upton's legacy serves as a living testament to the sacrifices of those who served, ensuring that the memory of the attack and its impact on American history endures.

Warren Upton was aboard the USS Utah at Pearl Harbor when Japanese forces launched their attack on the morning of December 7, 1941. The battleship was moored at the naval base when Upton felt the first torpedo strike. In his recollections, he noted how the trembling of the ship came as a shock, followed shortly by a second torpedo that caused the USS Utah to begin to capsize. He described the chaos and confusion that ensued on board during those moments of horror.

At the time of the attack, Upton was engaged in a routine morning preparation, getting ready to shave when the ship was struck. The experience was chaotic, leaving him and his fellow crew members scrambling for safety as the ship began to list heavily. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Upton bravely made his way into the water and swam ashore to Ford Island, where he sought refuge from the ongoing aerial assault.

During his escape, Upton jumped into a trench to avoid being targeted by attacking Japanese planes. He remained there for approximately 30 minutes until help arrived in the form of a truck that took him to security. That fateful day forged a significant chapter in Upton's life, one filled with peril and tenacity, as he navigated through the life-threatening circumstances of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Upton often reflected on his experiences and expressed his willingness to discuss that fateful day. However, he carried a deep sense of loss over the years as he witnessed many of his shipmates pass away. He was the oldest living survivor of the USS Utah prior to his death at age 105, which marked the end of his status as the last remaining survivor of the ship.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a significant event that thrust the United States into World War II. On that day, there were an estimated 87,000 military personnel stationed on Oahu. Upton's survival and shared memories contribute to a painful yet crucial narrative that outlines the sacrifices made by those in uniform. The bravery displayed by service members on that day has become an integral part of American historical memory.

Following Upton's passing, the count of Pearl Harbor survivors has now been reduced to just 15 individuals. Each survivor represents a living link to a pivotal moment that not only changed the course of the war but also altered American society forever. As these remaining survivors age, the urgency to document and honor their experiences becomes increasingly vital to preserve the historical significance of their testimonies.

Warren Upton’s life was characterized by resilience and commitment to his fellow service members. His story serves as a reminder of the humanity that exists amidst the horrors of war. As society moves forward, the memories and accounts provided by Upton and his fellow survivors will be essential in remembering the sacrifices made during one of America's most defining historical moments.