Ira 'Ike' Schab, One of the Last Pearl Harbor Survivors, Dies at 105
WWII Navy veteran Ira 'Ike' Schab, a Pearl Harbor survivor who played tuba during the 1941 attack, has died at 105, marking the passing of one of the last remaining witnesses.
Overview
- Ira 'Ike' Schab, a World War II Navy veteran and one of the last remaining survivors of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, passed away at the age of 105.
- Schab joined the Navy at 18, following his father's footsteps, and was a sailor of just 21 when the Japanese bombing occurred.
- During the attack, Schab played the tuba in the USS Dobbin's band, a detail highlighting his direct involvement in the historic event.
- For decades, Schab rarely spoke about his wartime experiences but in recent years, he began attending annual observances at the Hawaii military base to honor fellow servicemen.
- He died peacefully at home in the presence of his family, marking the end of an era as one of the final living links to the pivotal Pearl Harbor event.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the passing of Ira 'Ike' Schab with a neutral and respectful tone, focusing on his life and service as a Pearl Harbor survivor. They present factual information about his military career, his experience during the attack, and his post-war contributions, without employing loaded language or selective emphasis. The reporting prioritizes biographical details and historical context.
"With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war."
Chicago Tribune"With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the attack."
ABC News"With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war."
Associated PressArticles (3)
Center (3)
FAQ
Schab was a 21-year-old sailor on the USS Dobbin and served as the tuba player in the ship's band when the Japanese bombing occurred on December 7, 1941.
At age 104, Schab attended the 2024 remembrance ceremony in Hawaii, undergoing six weeks of physical therapy to stand and salute from his wheelchair during the event honoring those killed.
Schab joined the Navy at 18 following his father, rarely spoke of his experiences for decades, but later attended annual observances in Hawaii; he passed away peacefully at home at age 105 surrounded by family.
Schab was one of only two surviving Pearl Harbor servicemen who attended the 2024 annual remembrance ceremony, with a third unable to due to health issues.
An oral history interview of Ira 'Ike' Schab, a USS Dobbin Pearl Harbor survivor, is available from Pacific Historic Parks.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.