Pearl Harbor Survivor Remembers Unforgettable Attack Before 84th Anniversary

As the 84th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack approaches, survivor Ken Schubring reflects on that fateful day. Enlisting at the age of 17, Schubring witnessed the Japanese assault on December 7, 1941. Now at 103 years old, he recalls the moments before the attack with clarity.

Ken Schubring’s Experience During the Attack

On the morning of the attack, after completing his guard duty, Schubring went for breakfast. Just before 8 a.m., an explosion disrupted the calm. “The sky was full of airplanes, dive bombers,” he shared during a Veterans Day ceremony at the National WWII Museum. He quickly took cover in a nearby ditch as chaos erupted around him.

Remembrance of Sacrifice

Schubring is one of only 13 survivors of Pearl Harbor still alive today. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices made on that day. His son, Ken Schubring Jr., echoed this sentiment, urging Americans not to forget the legacy of those who served during the attack.

• Attack Date: December 7, 1941
• Age of Ken Schubring: 103 years old
• Survivors Remaining: 13 Pearl Harbor survivors

Post-Pearl Harbor Service

Following the attack, Schubring became a flight engineer on B-29 bombers, conducting missions in the Pacific. He recalls flying over Iwo Jima. “The bombings were individual bombings,” he noted, highlighting the intensity of those operations.

Legacy Beyond Military Service

After his military career, Schubring remained dedicated to justice. He advocated for racial school integration in Athens, Georgia, where he served as school board president. Despite facing opposition, he stood firm in his beliefs. His son remembered the challenges they faced during this controversial period.

As the anniversary arrives, Ken Schubring’s stories serve as a crucial reminder of the resilience and bravery of those who lived through that pivotal moment in American history.