Key Takeaways
- Ira "Ike" Schab, a 105-year-old World War II Navy veteran and survivor of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has passed away.
- Schab was one of the dwindling number of survivors of the surprise attack, which killed over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war.
- He rarely spoke about his experience during the war, but in recent years, he made a point of traveling to the annual observance at the Hawaii military base to pay honor to those who didn’t make it.
- Schab spent most of the war with the Navy in the Pacific and later worked on the Apollo spaceflight program as an electrical engineer.
- He is survived by his daughter, Kimberlee Heinrichs, and his legacy will live on through his family and the stories of his bravery and service.
Introduction to Ira "Ike" Schab
Ira "Ike" Schab, a World War II Navy veteran and survivor of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has passed away at the age of 105. Schab’s daughter, Kimberlee Heinrichs, announced that he died at home early Saturday in the presence of her and her husband. With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war. Schab’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during World War II, and his legacy will live on through his family and the stories of his service.
Schab’s Experience at Pearl Harbor
Schab was a sailor of just 21 at the time of the attack, and for decades, he rarely spoke about the experience. However, in recent years, aware that the corps of survivors was dwindling, the centenarian made a point of traveling from his home in Beaverton, Oregon, to the annual observance at the Hawaii military base. "To pay honor to the guys that didn’t make it," he said in 2023. Schab’s experience at Pearl Harbor was one of chaos and confusion. He recalled hearing a call for fire rescue and seeing another ship, the USS Utah, capsizing. Japanese planes roared through the air, and Schab and his fellow sailors were startled and scared. Despite the danger, Schab scurried back below deck to grab boxes of ammunition and joined a daisy chain of sailors feeding shells to an antiaircraft gun above.
Schab’s Service During World War II
Schab spent most of the war with the Navy in the Pacific, going to the New Hebrides, now known as Vanuatu, and then the Mariana Islands and Okinawa, Japan. His ship lost three sailors during the attack on Pearl Harbor, according to Navy records. One was killed in action, and two died later of fragment wounds from a bomb that struck the stern. All had been manning an antiaircraft gun. Schab’s bravery and service during the war were exemplary, and he was proud to have served his country. After the war, he studied aerospace engineering and worked on the Apollo spaceflight program as an electrical engineer for General Dynamics, helping send astronauts to the moon.
Schab’s Later Life and Legacy
In recent years, Schab made a point of attending the annual observance at the Hawaii military base to pay honor to those who didn’t make it. For last year’s commemoration, Schab spent weeks building up the strength to be able to stand and salute. However, this year he did not feel well enough to attend, and less than three weeks later, he passed away. Schab’s son also joined the Navy and is a retired commander. Speaking at a 2022 ceremony, Schab asked people to honor those who served at Pearl Harbor. "Remember what they’re here for. Remember and honor those that are left. They did a hell of a job," he said. "Those who are still here, dead or alive." Schab’s legacy will live on through his family and the stories of his bravery and service. He will be remembered as a hero and a patriot who served his country with honor and distinction.
Conclusion
Ira "Ike" Schab’s passing is a reminder of the dwindling number of survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. His story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during World War II, and his legacy will live on through his family and the stories of his service. As we remember Schab and the other survivors of Pearl Harbor, we honor their memory and their service. We must also remember the lessons of history and work towards a more peaceful and just world, where such tragedies are never repeated. Schab’s life and service are an inspiration to us all, and his memory will live on forever.