Oldest Living Pearl Harbor Survivor at 106
· music
How Oldest Living Survivor of Pearl Harbor Attack Keeps Memory Alive at 106
Freeman Johnson’s life is a testament to the unassuming nature of service. At 106, he stands as the nation’s oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, yet for much of his life, he deliberately avoided the spotlight.
Johnson’s story extends far beyond the surprise assault on December 7, 1941. He helped commission the USS Iowa and vividly recalls the battleship’s preparations in November 1943 for transporting President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Joining the Navy at 19 was a deliberate choice for Johnson. He wanted to avoid being drafted into the Army, which he believed would be less physically demanding. As a child, he walked or took his bicycle; the prospect of carrying a knapsack through muddy terrain was unappealing.
Johnson’s reluctance to speak about his experience is understandable, given that he was one of tens of thousands of sailors present on that tragic day. His wife, Ruth, believed his story was “something special” and called the Navy, only for the representative to laugh at her. However, as the oldest survivor, Johnson has become a local celebrity and the public face of Pearl Harbor.
The contrast between Johnson’s understated nature and his current status as a hero is striking. He receives letters from across the globe, and wherever he goes, he is hailed as a hero despite being hard of hearing, requiring a walker, and suffering from congestive heart failure. His daughter, Diane, often prompts him to share his stories, playfully reminding him of his “responsibility” to educate, especially children, about the bombing.
The decline in attendance at Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremonies is a sobering reminder that time waits for no one. In 2024, only two survivors made the journey, a stark contrast to the estimated 87,000 troops stationed on Oahu that fateful day. Last year, none were able to make the pilgrimage to Hawaii.
Johnson’s annual trips to Pearl Harbor remembrance events are a poignant reminder of the cycle of life – from the beginning, through the middle, to the end. As he looks back on his wartime experiences, it becomes clear that Johnson’s true responsibility lies not in seeking recognition but in sharing his story with others. In doing so, he preserves the memory of Pearl Harbor and ensures that its significance is not lost to time.
Johnson’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of human memory. His remarkable recall serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable trauma, there is beauty in the everyday, in the lives of those who served and sacrificed for their country.
Reader Views
- IOImani O. · indie musician
It's poignant to see Freeman Johnson's story shine a light on the sacrifices of the Pearl Harbor survivors, but we can't ignore the elephant in the room: their stories are becoming increasingly scarce. With each passing year, it's essential that we don't just honor these heroes with parades and plaques, but also prioritize preserving their oral histories through robust documentation and digital archiving initiatives. This would allow future generations to experience their experiences firsthand, rather than relying on static memorials or second-hand accounts.
- KJKris J. · music critic
It's ironic that Freeman Johnson's humility is now being celebrated as his greatest virtue when he could've used some recognition earlier on. Given his extensive Navy career and proximity to historical events, one can't help but wonder what other stories lie untold. His reluctance to speak out stems from a practical concern: avoiding the spotlight has allowed him to maintain a sense of normalcy in a life marred by extraordinary circumstances. Now, at 106, is it too late for Johnson's legacy to be more than just his status as the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor?
- TSThe Stage Desk · editorial
The Pearl Harbor remembrance has been struggling with declining attendance in recent years, and one wonders if Freeman Johnson's story is being leveraged effectively to educate younger generations about this pivotal moment in history. While his understated nature may be admirable, his experience could also serve as a powerful tool for engaging the public, particularly students, who are often the most receptive audience. By sharing more of Johnson's anecdotes and stories, educators and event organizers can breathe new life into these commemorations and inspire future generations to remember and learn from this fateful day.