Lou Conter, the final surviving crew member of the USS Arizona—a symbol of American resilience and sacrifice—has passed away at the age of 102, marking the end of an era for World War II veterans and the Pearl Harbor attack’s living memory. His passing on April 1, 2024, in Grass Valley, California, was a solemn occasion for the nation, which paused to honor his enduring legacy of courage.
Before becoming the last survivor of the USS Arizona, Conter had already lived a life of daring and heroism.
He was a 20-year-old quartermaster on December 7, 1941, when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor, killing 1,177 of his shipmates in an explosive assault that shook the world and thrust the United States into WWII.
Conter was among the 335 Arizona crew members who survived that day, and in an act of profound reverence, Marine Corps Capt. Raymond Hower, his grand-nephew, took to the skies on April 18, 2024, in an AV-8B Harrier II, carrying the flag that would later adorn Conter’s casket.
Conter’s military career did not end with the Pearl Harbor attack. He became a naval aviator, piloting PBY Catalina flying boats in the darkened Pacific skies to hunt enemy submarines.
His missions, over 200 in number, were perilous, marked by harrowing moments such as being shot down off the coast of New Guinea, where he commanded his crew to calmly fend off surrounding sharks. For his bravery, Conter was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a testament to his valor and skill.
“Uncle Lou’s valor as a naval aviator in World War II, especially after the Pearl Harbor attack, earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross,” Hower said in a Marine Corps press release. “So, when I earned my wings of gold from the Marine Corps in May of 2020, it was a profound honor that he chose to pass on his own wings that he earned in 1942 to me.”
Conter’s life mantra, “Don’t panic,” served him and his men well in the face of adversity. His leadership and courage continued into the Korean War and the development of the U.S. military’s Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) training program during the Cold War.
He retired as a lieutenant commander in 1967 but remained a stalwart figure in preserving the memory of the Pearl Harbor attack.
President Joe Biden paid tribute, “Like Lou, they risk their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans. Like Lou, they bravely undertake dangerous missions to defend our nation’s freedom and future.”
The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff to honor Conter’s life and service.
As the nation mourned the loss of a remarkable man, Aileen Utterdyke, president, and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks said, “This is a heartbreaking loss.
Lou Conter epitomized what it meant to be a member of the Greatest Generation.” His story, captured in “The Lou Conter Story,” serves as a reminder of the resilience and sacrifice of those who have come before us and underscores the importance of continuing to honor their memory.
Conter’s passing leaves a rich legacy, serving as a reminder of the valor that runs through the veins of American servicemen and women.
With Conter’s interment, his story joins the annals of military history, where his name, deeds, and legacy will forever be a testament to the indomitable spirit that he and his fellow soldiers embodied.