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Oldest Known Pearl Harbor Survivor Vaughn P. Drake Jr. Dies at 106

Drake's passing marks the loss of a key eyewitness to World War II history, with only 15 Pearl Harbor survivors remaining today.

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Overview

  • Vaughn P. Drake Jr., a decorated World War II veteran and the oldest known survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 106.
  • Drake served as an Army engineer at Kaneohe Naval Air Station in Oahu during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States entering World War II.
  • He also participated in the pivotal Battle of Saipan in 1944, a critical victory for U.S. forces during the Pacific campaign.
  • Drake was honored with numerous military awards, including the World War II Victory Medal and a Congressional Medal dedicated to Pearl Harbor veterans.
  • With his death, only 15 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack remain alive, underscoring the importance of preserving the legacy of those who witnessed these historic events.