HONOLULU — The recent passings of two Pearl Harbor survivors serve as poignant markers of the passage of time and highlight the dwindling number of individuals who witnessed the infamous attack first-hand. Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who assisted injured sailors during the 1941 Japanese attack, died on December 11, 2023, at the age of 103. Just days later, on December 13, Warren Upton, the last living survivor of the USS Utah, departed at the age of 105, leaving only 15 Pearl Harbor survivors remaining.
Chandler, who died at a senior living center in Tequesta, Florida, had congestive heart failure. His granddaughter's husband, Ron Mahaffee, confirmed the circumstances surrounding his passing. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Chandler served as a hospital corpsman 3rd class, witnessing the assault as he raised the flag at the mobile hospital located at Aiea Heights, overlooking the base.
“I thought they were planes coming in from the states until I saw the bombs dropping,” Chandler recounted. His memories from December 7, 1941, flooded back during the 82nd anniversary commemoration earlier this year. “It got so busy you weren’t scared; weren’t scared at all. We were busy,” he continued, reflecting on the chaos of the moment as he worked tirelessly to help the injured.
On the fateful day, more than 2,300 US servicemen lost their lives, with nearly half of those from the USS Arizona, which sank just nine minutes after being hit. Chandler vividly recalled the strife of pulling sailors from the oily waters and cleaning them after their tumultuous experience.
Meanwhile, Upton passed away at a hospital in Los Gatos, California, due to pneumonia. He vividly remembered the attack and the moment he felt the first torpedo hit the Utah. “I had been getting ready to shave when I felt the first torpedo hit the Utah.” Upton swam ashore to safety, avoiding the chaos and destruction surrounding him.
Upton was known for his willingness to share his stories from the attack, even as he saw more friends and shipmates lose their lives over the years. He expressed concern over this loss of life more than the fear of his own during the attack, indicating how he faced the situation head-on.
“What upsets me is losing shipmates year by year,” Upton said, demonstrating the emotional weight carried by those who survived.
Military historian J. Michael Wenger noted the somber reality of the dwindling number of Pearl Harbor survivors. His records indicate there were approximately 87,000 military personnel stationed on Oahu on the day of the attack. With Chandler and Upton now gone, the number of living survivors has dramatically decreased.
Chandler’s and Upton’s deaths come as reminders of the importance of preserving the narratives surrounding Pearl Harbor. Chandler urged Americans to “be prepared” and emphasized the need for improved intelligence to prevent history from repeating itself. After the war, Chandler lived primarily in Massachusetts and Florida and enjoyed his years as a painter, business owner, and Navy reserve retiree.
A child of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Chandler lived with his two daughters, nine grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. His commitment to sharing his experiences reminds us all of the enduring courage and resilience displayed on December 7, 1941.
Upton, too, contributed to the fabric of history, especially with his one-of-a-kind account as the last surviving member of the USS Utah crew. The legacy of these brave veterans cannot be overstated, and their remarkable stories illuminate the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment for the United States.
Even as fewer remain to tell their tales, the memories of these heroes will continue to shape our collective remembrance of Pearl Harbor, ensuring the bravery and resilience of those who lived through it are never forgotten.