Honoring Valor: A Yearly Tribute to the Heroes of Pearl Harbor
Today, Pearl Harbor stands as a solemn reminder of a day when tranquility was shattered by the roar of warplanes and the thunder of explosions. This coming December 7th marks the 83rd anniversary of the infamous attack that claimed the lives of 2,403 Americans and propelled the United States into World War II.
One Brave Sailor’s Story
Among those who witnessed the attack was Earl “Chuck” Kohler, a courageous sailor who was just 17 years old at the time. Instead of following direct orders to shelter himself, this young Minnesota farm boy defied the odds and ran to fetch ammunition, eager to defend his nation. “I know this is the beginning of that war… if I’m going to lose my life here, I don’t want to lose it in that ditch,” Kohler stated, reflecting on his courageous decision in a recorded interview.
His spirit echoed the tenacity of his generation. Born to a sharecropping family amidst the hustle of farm life, he learned early on that facing challenges head-on was the only way to navigate life. “You can’t beat them by running from them,” he told an interviewer. Now, at the age of 100, Kohler is among the last surviving witnesses of that fateful day. He embodies the unyielding spirit of a generation that lived through the Great Depression and fought valiantly in a global war.
A Day of Remembering
This Saturday, thousands will gather at Pearl Harbor to honor the heroes of that day. The atmosphere is expected to reflect deep appreciation for the sacrifice and courage displayed by the servicemen and civilians who faced the harrowing attacks by Japanese bombers. Attendees will pay tribute to the “Greatest Generation,” as they are fondly known, celebrating their indomitable courage and perseverance.
Honoring Legends and Their Legacy
In an email from Kathleen Farley, chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, she emphasized the importance of remembrance: “We have not forgotten the 87,000 active military who were on the island of Oahu on December 7, 1941.” Various events are planned to honor these beloved survivors, their families—fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers—who bravely faced the violence that day. “We will carry on with your history with pride,” Farley shared.
Survivors Share Their Memories
Two well-respected survivors, Ken Stevens and Ira “Ike” Schab Jr., are expected to be in attendance at the remembrance ceremony. Schab, at 104, arrived to a warm welcome from military bands and honor guards, highlighting the respect and love that still resonates for these heroes. His family raised funds to ensure he could return to the site where so many memories—both painful and proud—remain.
Schab recalls that morning vividly; just moments after finishing his shower and sipping coffee, chaos erupted. His duty shifted from musician to ammunition carrier as he responded bravely to the sudden attack. “I remember being scared, wondering about my brothers. Where they were,” he recalls, conveying the sheer disbelief of that historic day.
Echoes of the Past
At around 8 a.m., the peace of Pearl Harbor was explosively disrupted. Over 350 planes swooped down on the harbor, resulting in chaotic scenes of destruction. Ships that once symbolized strength were torn apart, enveloped in flames while cries of desperation echoed through the air. Kohler described witnessing the devastating explosions and the loss of life—images that would haunt him for eternity.
A Beacon of Remembrance
This year, while Kohler can’t make it to Hawaii, he will participate in a candlelit ceremony to honor those who fell. The Beacon on Mount Diablo, a historic landmark extinguished during the West Coast blackout right after Pearl Harbor, serves as a means to reconnect survivors and honor those lost.
As the anniversary approaches, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the heroes who stood tall in the face of extreme adversity. These stories, told through the voices of the few surviving veterans, ensure that the legacy and lessons of Pearl Harbor will not be forgotten.
