Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivor, Passed Away at 106 After a Storied Life
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A Quiet Hero and Memories of Pearl Harbor
Vaughn Drake, the oldest known survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away at the age of 106 on April 7 in Lexington, Kentucky, where he was born and raised. Known for his quiet humility, Drake’s family emphasized his commitment to honoring and preserving history, even without seeking public recognition. His son, Samuel Drake, shared that his father was not only a military serviceman but also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was deeply respected by those who knew him.
On December 7, 1941, Drake was a 23-year-old Army Corps of Engineers member stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the devastating assault began. In a 2016 interview, Drake recalled hearing aircraft overhead while preparing for breakfast. Initially, he thought the activity was part of a routine training exercise. That perception changed when he witnessed a bomb strike at the Kaneohe Naval Air Station, signaling that this was a serious and unprecedented attack. Like many that morning, Drake struggled to believe what was unfolding around him.
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A Day of Infamy and a Legacy of Service
The surprise attack, carried out by military planes from Japanese carriers north of Oahu, resulted in significant losses, including 2,390 American lives and over 20 U.S. naval vessels damaged or destroyed. It marked a turning point, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the event as “a day that will live in infamy,” leading to Congress’s decision to enter the global conflict.
Drake’s dedication to service extended beyond Pearl Harbor. In 1944, he participated in the Battle of Saipan and also contributed to the Marianas Campaign, a decisive effort in the Pacific Theater during World War II. For his contributions, he received various honors, including the American Defense Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, among others.
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Post-War Accomplishments and a Life of Humility
After the war, Drake attended the University of Kentucky, where he pursued engineering. He later worked as a professional engineer for over five decades, specializing in telecommunications infrastructure in Lexington. Despite his achievements in both military and civilian life, Drake remained grounded, attributing more importance to the values he lived by than the recognition he received.
Drake passed away peacefully, leaving behind his son, two grandsons, and three great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Winchester, Kentucky, beside his wife of 65 years, Lina Wilson Drake.
