World’s oldest Pearl Harbor survivor dead at 106

A veteran believed to be the world’s oldest Pearl Harbor survivor has passed away at the age of 106. Vaughn P. Drake Jr., from Kentucky, was a young 23-year-old Army engineer stationed at Kaneohe Naval Air Station on Oahu during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.

Drake vividly recalled the events of that fateful day, where he and his colleagues initially mistook the approaching planes for Army Air Corps maneuvers. It wasn’t until they saw the Japanese insignia on the wings that the reality of the attack set in.

Aside from his experience at Pearl Harbor, Drake also witnessed the Battle of Saipan in the Mariana Islands, a significant moment in the US’s involvement in World War II. For his service, he was decorated with several commendations, including the World War II Victory Medal and a special congressional medal for Pearl Harbor veterans.

After the war, Drake returned to Kentucky, where he pursued a career as an engineer in the private sector. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lina Wilson Drake, their son Samuel Drake, two grandsons, and three great-grandchildren.

Described by his son as more than a hero, Drake was remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather, and a man of integrity. His passing marks the loss of a remarkable individual who lived through a significant period in history.

Drake’s military burial at Winchester Cemetery will take place on Thursday, honoring his service and sacrifice. His death follows that of Lou Conter, the last known survivor of the USS Arizona attack during the Pearl Harbor bombing, who passed away at the age of 102 last year.

With only 15 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack still living, Drake’s legacy as a part of history remains significant. Despite his experiences, he remained humble and rarely spoke about his wartime memories, choosing instead to live a life of quiet dignity.