Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivor Turns 105

Ray Chavez, the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor, turned 105 on March 10, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

Chavez now lives with his daughter in Poway, California, but on Dec. 7, 1941, he was a Navy Quartermaster stationed at Pearl Harbor. His parents were immigrants from Mexico, according to the newspaper.

“The whole harbor was on fire,” Chavez told the Union Tribune. “It was terrible, really terrible.”

After the attack that propelled the United States into World War II, Chavez joined the crew of the troop transport ship Lasalle. He helped ferry troops to Japanese held islands in the Pacific from Guadalcanal to Okinawa.

“I’m glad I did my part and went through all those military exercises, being in the war and everything,” he told the Union Tribune. “I was a small part of that.”

“Our nation owes Mr. Chavez’s generation and he a great debt of gratitude for legacy of liberty and freedom around the world, fighting to ensure security and prosperity for millions,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday at his daily briefing. “We all extend our warm wishes to Ray and his family as they celebrate his 105th.”

Chavez was honored at a concert at the USS Midway museum in San Diego on Saturday, according to NBC 7 San Diego.

Four former presidents sent birthday greetings to Chavez. President Trump urged Chavez to "Keep going!"

“The president signed the letter wishing he hopes to have several more birthdays to come,” Spicer said.

Letter from President Trump to Ray Chavez, provided by White House Press Office

Ray Chavez: Pearl Harbor's Oldest Living Survivor by History NOW via Youtube

Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps; photographer Cpl. Wesley Timm

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