Ken Potts, the last surviving member of the USS Arizona, passed away on January 3, 2021, at the age of 102. Potts was one of the few remaining survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which took place on December 7, 1941.
Potts was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1918. He joined the Navy in 1938 and was assigned to the USS Arizona in 1940. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Potts was on board the Arizona when it was attacked by Japanese bombers. The ship was hit by several bombs and eventually exploded, killing 1,177 sailors and Marines.
Potts was one of the lucky ones who survived the attack. He was able to escape the sinking ship by climbing up a rope ladder to a nearby ship. He later recounted that he could feel the heat from the burning oil on his back as he climbed up the ladder.
After the attack, Potts continued to serve in the Navy for several years. He was eventually discharged in 1946 and returned to Utah, where he worked as a carpenter and raised a family.
In his later years, Potts became an advocate for preserving the memory of the USS Arizona and its crew. He often spoke at events and schools about his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the importance of remembering those who lost their lives.
Potts was also a member of the USS Arizona Reunion Association, which was founded in 1958 to bring together survivors and families of those who served on the ship. The association holds an annual reunion in Hawaii to honor those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
Potts’ passing marks the end of an era for the USS Arizona survivors. He was one of only five remaining survivors at the time of his death. The other four survivors are all in their 90s.
The USS Arizona Memorial, which was built over the remains of the ship, serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by Potts and his fellow crew members. The memorial attracts millions of visitors each year and is a symbol of the enduring legacy of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Potts’ passing is a reminder that we must continue to honor and remember the sacrifices made by those who served our country. As we reflect on his life and service, let us also remember the thousands of other Americans who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, and the countless others who have given their lives in service to our country since then.
