Lou Conter, the last surviving crew member of the USS Arizona, which was destroyed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, has passed away at the age of 102. His death marks the end of a direct living connection to a pivotal moment in American history.
Peaceful Passing at Home
Conter died of congestive heart failure at his home in Grass Valley, California. His daughter, Louann Daley, reported that she and her brothers, James and Jeff, were with him in his final moments, providing comfort and witnessing the end of a remarkable century-long life.
A Day of Infamy
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the darkest days in American history. The USS Arizona suffered devastating losses, with 1,177 sailors and Marines perishing, nearly half of the total casualties from the attack. This event propelled the United States into World War II, changing the course of history.
At the Heart of the Attack
As a quartermaster on the Arizona, Conter experienced the horror of the attack firsthand. He vividly remembered the catastrophic moment when a bomb hit the ship, triggering a massive explosion by igniting the gunpowder stored below deck. The ship was engulfed in flames, leading to chaos and destruction.
An Oral History
In a 2008 interview for the Library of Congress, Conter shared his harrowing experiences during the attack, providing a firsthand account of the tragedy that befell the USS Arizona and its crew. His testimony offers invaluable insights into the events of that fateful day.
Aftermath and Autobiography
Conter’s autobiography details the immediate aftermath of the bombing, emphasizing the collective efforts to rescue and aid the injured. He described a scene of bravery and sacrifice, with crew members risking their lives to save their comrades from the inferno.
The USS Arizona’s Final Resting Place
Today, the wreckage of the USS Arizona remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, serving as a somber reminder of the attack. More than 900 servicemen are still entombed within its hull, a testament to the scale of the tragedy.
A Second Act: Aviator and Hero
Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Conter trained as a naval aviator, flying over 200 combat missions in the Pacific. His service included night bombing raids with the “Black Cats” squadron, demonstrating his versatility and courage in the face of enemy fire.
Survival Against the Odds
One of Conter’s most dramatic survival stories occurred in 1943 when his crew was shot down near New Guinea. Facing shark-infested waters and uncertainty, Conter’s leadership and determination to survive were pivotal in ensuring the crew’s safety until rescue.
Pioneering SERE Training
In the late 1950s, Conter became the Navy’s first Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) officer, responsible for training aviators in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape techniques.
His work helped prepare countless servicemen for the challenges of captivity and survival in hostile environments.
A Life of Service
Conter retired from the Navy in 1967 after a distinguished 28-year career. His service spanned some of the most turbulent times in modern military history, from the depths of World War II to the complexities of the Cold War era.
Early Life and Navy Enlistment
Born in Ojibwa, Wisconsin, in 1921, Conter joined the Navy at 18, embarking on a journey that would define his life. His early experiences in the service set the stage for his remarkable contributions during and after World War II.
Conter’s Final Days
In his last months, Conter’s health declined steadily. Despite this, he remained surrounded by love and support from his family, expressing gratitude for their care. His peaceful passing was a comfort to his loved ones, who cherished the moments spent with him.
Legacy and Remembrance
Lou Conter is survived by his family, including a son, a stepson, and numerous descendants. Plans for his burial in Grass Valley, beside his late wife Valerie, are underway. Conter’s death underscores the fading generation of Pearl Harbor survivors and the importance of remembering those who served.
