World War II Navy veteran Ira "Ike" Schab, a remarkable survivor of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has passed away at the age of 105. His daughter, Kimberlee Heinrichs, confirmed that he died peacefully at home early Saturday, surrounded by family, further marking the loss of one of the last few witnesses of this pivotal moment in American history.
Schab's death signifies that only about a dozen survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack remain, a tragic reminder of the passage of time since the attack claimed over 2,400 lives and propelled the United States into World War II. At just 21 years old during the attack, Schab initially refrained from discussing his experiences, but he increasingly felt the urgency to share his story as the number of remaining survivors dwindled. In recent years, he made a point to attend annual memorial services at the Hawaii military base, stating in 2023, "To pay honor to the guys that didn’t make it."
Born on July 4, 1920, in Chicago, Schab was the eldest of three brothers. He chose a path of service by joining the Navy at 18, following in his father's footsteps. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Schab was stationed aboard the USS Dobbin, preparing to welcome his brother, who was stationed nearby. However, the day quickly turned chaotic as Japanese planes began their assault. Schab described seeing the USS Utah capsizing while being startled and terrified by the unexpected violence around him.
In a gripping recollection from 2023, Schab detailed his frantic response during the attack, where he rushed below deck to grab ammunition and joined his fellow sailors in an urgent effort to man an anti-aircraft gun. Despite the chaos, Schab's commitment to his comrades was evident as he recalled the losses on their ship, including three sailors who faced tragic fates — one killed in action and two others dying later from injuries sustained during the bombing.
Following the war, Schab continued to serve in the Navy throughout the Pacific, including deployments to the New Hebrides, now known as Vanuatu, as well as the Mariana Islands and Okinawa, Japan. After his military service, he pursued a degree in aerospace engineering, contributing to the Apollo spaceflight program as an electrical engineer for General Dynamics, playing a key role in sending astronauts to the moon.
Schab's legacy continued through his family, as his son also followed in his footsteps by joining the Navy and eventually retiring as a commander. Throughout his later years, he was vocal about the importance of remembering the sacrifice of those who served during the Pearl Harbor attack. During a 2022 ceremony, Schab urged attendees to honor both the living and the deceased veterans, saying, "They did a hell of a job, those who are still here, dead or alive."
As the world bids farewell to Ira "Ike" Schab, it not only acknowledges the life of a remarkable veteran but also reflects on the broader narrative of bravery and resilience embodied by those who experienced one of America's most defining historical moments.
