Pearl Harbor Hero Harry Chandler Dies at 103 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who heroically saved injured sailors during the Pearl Harbor attack, passed away at 103 in Florida. Chandler’s efforts on December 7, 1941, included pulling wounded men from oil-covered waters and attending to their injuries amid chaos. A decorated veteran, he later worked in the Navy Reserves, retiring as a senior chief.
Honoring Harry Chandler: Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Legacy
- Heroic Actions at Pearl Harbor: Navy medic Harry Chandler rescued sailors from oil-slicked waters and provided life-saving care during the Japanese attack.
- Survivor Stories: Recalled vivid memories of the attack during the 82nd-anniversary ceremony in 2023.
- Post-War Life: Worked as a tradesman, owned an upholstery business, and retired as a Navy senior chief in 1981.
- Family Legacy: Survived by one daughter, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
- Dwindling Numbers: Only 15 Pearl Harbor survivors remain, reflecting a fading generation of heroes.
Deep Look
Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who risked his life to save injured sailors during the attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away at the age of 103. His death, attributed to congestive heart failure, occurred Monday at a senior living facility in Tequesta, Florida. Chandler’s remarkable life was defined by his heroism during one of the darkest days in American history and his enduring commitment to service long after the war ended.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Medic’s Heroic Role
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Harry Chandler, then a 22-year-old hospital corpsman 3rd class, was stationed at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights, overlooking Pearl Harbor. As he raised the American flag that morning, he noticed planes approaching. At first, he assumed they were friendly aircraft arriving from the mainland.
“I thought they were planes coming in from the states until I saw the bombs dropping,” Chandler recalled in a 2023 interview with the Associated Press. His initial reaction was one of fear and survival. “My first thought was to get the hell out of here,” he said, anticipating the danger of strafing runs.
Despite the chaos, Chandler’s training and sense of duty took over. His unit quickly rode trucks down to the harbor to assist the injured. The scene they encountered was one of devastation: flames, explosions, and oil-slicked waters filled with wounded sailors.
Chandler boarded a boat to help pull survivors from the water. The oil from the destroyed ships coated both the harbor and the sailors, making the task treacherous. Once rescued, the sailors were washed and treated for burns and other injuries.
“It got so busy you weren’t scared. Weren’t scared at all. We were busy. It was after you got scared,” Chandler explained in an oral history interview with Pacific Historic Parks. He reflected on the realization that he could have been killed during the attack but noted that in the moment, “You didn’t think about that while you were busy taking care of people.”
The Legacy of Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor claimed the lives of over 2,300 Americans, including 1,177 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Arizona, which sank in just nine minutes. Chandler’s firsthand experiences during the attack stayed with him throughout his life.
In December 2023, Chandler attended a ceremony commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the bombing. Standing at the harbor, he vividly recalled the events of that day. “I look out there, and I can still see what’s going on. I can still see what was happening,” he said.
When asked what lesson he hoped Americans would take from Pearl Harbor, Chandler responded with a call for vigilance: “Be prepared. We should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better.”
Life After the War
Following World War II, Chandler returned to civilian life but remained connected to the Navy through the reserves, where he served until his retirement as a senior chief in 1981. In his post-war years, he worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger, eventually co-owning an upholstery business with his brother.
An avid golfer, Chandler achieved five hole-in-ones over the course of his life—a testament to his precision and focus.
Chandler’s personal life was equally fulfilling. He had one biological daughter and adopted two daughters during his second marriage to Anna Chandler, who passed away in 2004. In later years, Chandler split his time between Massachusetts and Florida, enjoying his retirement surrounded by family.
A Fading Generation of Heroes
Chandler’s death marks the loss of another member of the rapidly dwindling group of Pearl Harbor survivors. According to Kathleen Farley, chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, only 15 survivors remain from the estimated 87,000 military personnel stationed on Oahu during the attack.
Chandler is the third Pearl Harbor survivor to pass away in recent weeks. Bob Fernandez, who served on the USS Curtiss, died earlier this month at the age of 100, and Warren Upton, who served on the USS Utah, passed away last week at 105.
Honoring Chandler’s Legacy
Chandler’s contributions during Pearl Harbor exemplify the courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation. His ability to perform life-saving work amidst chaos and danger is a testament to his character and training. Beyond his wartime heroics, his post-war service and dedication to his family reflect a life lived with purpose and integrity.
As the number of living Pearl Harbor survivors continues to dwindle, preserving their stories becomes increasingly important. Chandler’s firsthand accounts provide invaluable insight into a defining moment in history and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
The Lessons of Pearl Harbor
Chandler’s reflections on Pearl Harbor highlight the importance of preparedness and vigilance in safeguarding national security. His call to “be prepared” resonates not only as a critique of past failures but also as a timeless message for future generations.
As the nation remembers Harry Chandler, it also honors the thousands who served and sacrificed on that fateful day, ensuring that their legacy endures.
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