6 Oldest Living Pearl Harbor Survivors

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most defining moments in American history. While many lives were lost, some soldiers and sailors survived to tell the tale. As time passes, the number of surviving witnesses from that fateful day grows smaller, with only a handful of Pearl Harbor survivors still alive today. This article highlights some of the oldest survivors, sharing their stories of bravery, resilience, and service. These individuals continue to be living reminders of the sacrifices made during that pivotal moment in World War II.

Ivan Martynushkin

Ivan Martynushkin, born in 1924 in Ukraine, was serving in the U.S. Army at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese launched their surprise attack. He was stationed on the ground in a defensive position near Hickam Field when the bombing started. The explosion of nearby ammunition depots and airstrikes on planes left him with vivid memories of the chaos. He recalls the intense fear but also the immediate sense of duty that drove him and his comrades to fight back. Following the attack, he spent the remainder of the war fighting in various campaigns in the Pacific. After the war, he settled in New York and spent many years working in industrial sectors. Now aged 100, he enjoys spending his time sharing his wartime experiences with younger generations and continues to be an active member of veteran communities.

John Hemingway

John Hemingway, born in 1923 in Michigan, was a sailor aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma was one of the first ships to be hit during the bombing, and he was thrown into the water as the ship capsized. He recalls the confusion and fear as he fought to stay afloat in the harbor amidst the chaos. Despite being injured, he survived and was later rescued by fellow sailors. His courage during the attack was recognized, and he received several military honors for his bravery. After the attack, he continued his military service and took part in several major battles in the Pacific. Now 101, he lives in Arizona, where he enjoys spending time with family and sharing his experiences with those who seek to learn about the history of Pearl Harbor.

Aron Bielski

Aron Bielski was born in 1923 in the small town of Stankiewicze, Poland, and his connection to Pearl Harbor came about after his enlistment in the U.S. Army. He was serving as a radio operator aboard the USS Oklahoma during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. When the first bombs struck, he remembers the deafening roar of explosions and the immediate sense of disbelief. As the USS Oklahoma began to capsize, He helped in the evacuation efforts, ensuring as many men as possible could escape the wreckage. His bravery during the attack was later recognized with several commendations. After surviving the attack, he continued his service in the Pacific and Europe, playing a vital role in Allied operations. Today, Bielski, now 101, lives in Florida, where he remains active in local veterans’ organizations, sharing his experience with the younger generation.

Ilmari Koppinen

Ilmari Koppinen, born in 1922 in Finland, was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II and stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He served as a gunner on the ground, manning anti-aircraft batteries during the attack. He vividly remembers the sound of sirens warning of the incoming Japanese assault, followed by the first waves of bombs and gunfire. In the confusion, he helped fellow soldiers stay organized and maintain defensive positions as best as possible. His quick thinking and action during the chaos contributed to the survival of his comrades. After the attack, he went on to serve in other combat zones in the Pacific Theater. Now aged 102, he lives in California and often participates in veterans’ events, reflecting on the sacrifices made that day.

Boris Kravtsov

Boris Kravtsov, born in 1920 in Russia, immigrated to the United States and joined the U.S. Navy before the outbreak of World War II. At the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, he was stationed aboard the USS West Virginia, which was heavily damaged by the Japanese bombing. The ship’s crew fought bravely to maintain control as the vessel sank. Kravtsov, despite sustaining injuries, was part of the team that managed to get the ship back in fighting shape after the attack. Over the course of the war, he participated in several naval battles in the Pacific. After the war, he went on to a long career in the merchant marine, eventually retiring in Florida. Now 104 years old, he remains active in veteran organizations, where he is often called upon to share his firsthand experience of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Hugo Broch

Born in 1919 in Dresden, Germany, Hugo Broch’s story takes a unique twist in relation to Pearl Harbor. Broch, who later immigrated to the United States, was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. On December 7, 1941, he was working as a radio operator, and he recalls the shock and fear as Japanese bombers began their assault on the base. He was tasked with sending out distress signals and assisting in the communication efforts during the chaos of the attack. His actions during this critical time were crucial in coordinating the defense of the harbor. He continued his military service in the Pacific, seeing action in key battles throughout the war. Now 105 years old, he lives in Texas and enjoys participating in Pearl Harbor commemorative events, sharing his unique perspective as a German immigrant who became a proud American hero.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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