Farewell to a Hero: Warren 'Red' Upton, Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivor, Passes Away at 105

Warren “Red” Upton, the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 105. A World War II veteran and a symbol of resilience, Upton’s death marks the loss of a piece of living history. His passing was confirmed by his family and the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, an organization dedicated to honoring those who experienced the tragic events of December 7, 1941.

Upton, described as a humble and gentle man, never saw himself as a hero. He often remarked that the true heroes were those who never made it home from the war. Despite his modesty, his life and experiences stood as a testament to the sacrifices of his generation. Kathleen Farley, a representative of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, reflected on his humility and his remarkable ability to remain well-informed and engaged with current affairs.

Born on October 17, 1919, in El Dorado, California, Upton served as a Navy radioman aboard the USS Utah, a Florida-class dreadnought battleship. On that fateful morning in 1941, Upton was shaving aboard the Utah when Japanese forces launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Two torpedoes struck the ship, causing it to capsize rapidly. Upton managed to escape, swimming toward Ford Island. Along the way, he helped a fellow sailor who could not swim, showcasing his courage and compassion amidst chaos.

The attack left 58 crew members of the Utah dead, but Upton was among the 461 survivors. Once on Ford Island, he took cover in a ditch to protect himself from the continued air assault. He later recalled these harrowing moments, including his nickname “Red,” derived from his vibrant red hair, and the words of the sailor he rescued: “Red, do you know how to swim?”

Upton continued to serve as a radioman throughout World War II and later during the Korean War. His time in the Navy not only shaped his career but also his spiritual life, as he converted to Catholicism while serving. After his military service, Upton returned to California, where he became an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 7 in San Jose. He organized meetings and kept track of the passing of fellow survivors, dedicating his post-war life to preserving the legacy of Pearl Harbor.

Upton’s personal life was equally rich. He married Valeria Gene Parker, a Navy nurse who served during the war, and together they built a life in the San Francisco Bay Area. The couple raised five children, and their bond remained unbroken until Parker’s death in 2018 at the age of 97. Farley noted that Upton mourned his wife deeply, carrying her memory with him every day.

In his later years, Upton remained connected to his wartime experiences. He attended commemorative events, including a visit to Hawaii in 2019 for a remembrance ceremony at the USS Utah Memorial. However, Upton made it clear that he wished to be buried alongside his wife rather than interred within the wreckage of the Utah. He told Farley, “I was lucky enough to make it off the ship. I’m not going back there again.”

Upton’s passing leaves behind 15 known survivors of Pearl Harbor, a stark reminder of the dwindling number of veterans from the “Greatest Generation.” Of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II, fewer than 67,000 are alive today. Upton is survived by his five children and several grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of humility, service, and strength.

His life and story remind us of the courage and sacrifices made by those who lived through one of the most defining moments in American history. As the nation honors his memory, Upton’s enduring spirit and selfless acts serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.