Ira “Ike” Schab, Pearl Harbor Survivor and Apollo Engineer, Dies at 105
Ira “Ike” Schab, a revered World war II Navy veteran and one of the last remaining survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away peacefully at his home in Beaverton, Oregon, on December 21, 2024. He was 105 years old.His death marks the loss of a vital link to a pivotal moment in American history, leaving only approximately a dozen survivors of that fateful day.
A Day That Changed History
On December 7, 1941, a peaceful Sunday morning was shattered by the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Schab, then a 21-year-old sailor aboard the USS Dobbin, experienced the chaos and fear firsthand. For decades, he rarely spoke of the event, a common response for those who lived through such trauma.
However, as the years passed and the number of survivors dwindled, Schab felt a growing responsibility to share his story. He began attending annual commemorations at the Pearl Harbor military base, driven by a desire to honour those who didn’t survive. “To pay honor to the guys that didn’t make it,” he explained in 2023.
Experiencing the attack
Schab was preparing for a visit from his brother, also a service member, when the attack began. He had just finished showering and was in a clean uniform when the call for fire rescue sounded.
Here’s a glimpse into what he witnessed:
* Initial Shock: He went topside to see the USS Utah capsizing, a terrifying sight.
* under Attack: Japanese planes filled the sky, creating a scene of unimaginable chaos. He recalled the fear, stating, “We were pretty startled. Startled and scared to death…We didn’t know what to expect.”
* Responding to the Crisis: Schab quickly returned below deck, joining a team of sailors supplying ammunition to an anti-aircraft gun.
* Losses Suffered: The USS Dobbin lost three sailors during the attack – one killed in action and two who later succumbed to injuries from a bomb blast.
A Lifetime of Service
Schab’s service didn’t end at Pearl Harbor. He continued to serve in the Pacific Theater throughout much of the war, traveling to locations including:
* The New Hebrides (now Vanuatu)
* The Mariana Islands
* Okinawa, Japan
Following the war, Schab pursued his education, earning a degree in aerospace engineering. This led to a remarkable career with general Dynamics,where he contributed to the apollo spaceflight program. Imagine – a Pearl Harbor survivor helping to send astronauts to the moon!
Beyond the Battlefield: A Family Legacy
schab’s dedication to service ran in the family. His son also joined the Navy, ultimately retiring as a commander. He was born on Independence Day in 1920 in Chicago,the eldest of three brothers,instilling in him a deep sense of patriotism and duty.
Remembering His Words
In 2022, Schab offered a poignant message during a ceremony honoring Pearl harbor veterans. He urged attendees to remember the sacrifices made by those who served, stating, “Remember what they’re here for. Remember and honor those that are left. They did a hell of a job…Those who are still here, dead or alive.”
Ike Schab’s life was a testament to courage, resilience, and dedication. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation and the importance of remembering their legacy. You can honor his memory by learning more about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the brave individuals who defended our nation.
Related reading