World Loses One of Its Last Pearl Harbor Survivors at Age 105

Ira “Ike” Schab has passed away at 105 years old. He was one of the last remaining survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Schab died at his home in Beaverton, Oregon on a recent Saturday morning. His daughter confirmed his passing to The Associated Press.Schab was a 21-year-old Navy sailor on December 7, 1941. He served aboard the USS Dobbin during the surprise Japanese assault. The attack killed over 2,400 American service members. It thrust the United States directly into World War II.For many years, Schab rarely discussed that day. He chose to focus on his life and family instead. In his later decades, his perspective changed. He felt a growing duty to share his story and honor the fallen.

A Sailor’s Eyewitness Account of History

Schab described the morning as initially peaceful. He was a musician in the ship’s band. He had just showered and put on a clean uniform when the world exploded.He heard a call for a fire rescue team. Rushing topside, he saw the USS Utah capsizing. Japanese warplanes filled the sky. The roar of engines and explosions was deafening.”We were pretty startled,” Schab recalled in a 2023 interview. “Startled and scared to death.” He knew the danger was immediate and extreme. Survival was not guaranteed.He sprang into action without hesitation. Schab ran below deck to grab ammunition. He helped form a human chain to pass shells to an anti-aircraft gun crew. His ship, the Dobbin, lost three sailors that day.

Life of Service Beyond the War

Schab continued serving in the Navy throughout the war in the Pacific. His service took him to places like Vanuatu and Okinawa. After the war, he built a new career in engineering.He studied aerospace engineering. Schab later worked as an electrical engineer for General Dynamics. He contributed to the historic Apollo spaceflight program. His work helped send American astronauts to the moon.Schab’s son followed in his footsteps. He also served in the Navy and retired as a commander. The family legacy of military service continued proudly.In recent years, Schab traveled to Hawaii for Pearl Harbor commemorations. He wanted to pay his respects to friends who never came home. Last year, he spent weeks preparing just to stand and salute during the ceremony.His passing leaves only about a dozen known survivors of the attack. The number of living witnesses to this pivotal moment in history grows smaller each year. Their firsthand accounts are irreplaceable.

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The death of Ira Schab marks the closing of a vital chapter in living history. The world remembers his courage and the sacrifice of all Pearl Harbor survivors. Their legacy continues to teach new generations about resilience and duty.

Disclaimer: This article is a journalistic summary based on verified reports from reputable news agencies. All facts have been cross-referenced for accuracy.

References: The Associated Press, Pacific Historic Parks, U.S. Navy records.