HONOLULU (AP) — Richard C. “Dick” Higgins, one of many few remaining survivors of the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor, has died, a member of the family stated Wednesday. He was 102.
Higgins died of pure causes Tuesday at house in Bend, Ore., granddaughter Angela Norton stated.
Higgins was a radio operator assigned to the Seaplane Patrol Squadron on the Hawaii Naval Base when Japanese planes started dropping bombs on the morning of December 7, 1941.
In a 2008 oral historical past interview, he recounted how he was in his bunk on the lanai, or porch, on the third ground of his barracks when the bombing started.
“I jumped away from bed and ran to the sting of the lanai, and once I bought there, the aircraft flew proper over the barracks,” he stated, in line with an interview by the Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Conflict in Fredericksburg. Texas.
He estimated that the aircraft was about 50 ft (15 meters) to his facet and 100 ft (30 meters) above his barracks. He described the “large pink meatballs” on the aircraft, referring to the pink round emblem painted on the wings and fuselage of Japanese plane.
“So there was little doubt what was happening in my thoughts due to the issues that have been taking place,” he stated.
Norton known as his grandfather a humble and type man who usually visited faculties to share tales about Pearl Harbor, World Conflict II and the Nice Despair. Norton stated he desires to show folks historical past so that they don't repeat it.
“It was by no means about him,” Norton stated. “The heroes have been those who didn't come house.”
Higgins was born on a farm close to Mangum, Oklahoma on July 24, 1921. He joined the Navy in 1939 and retired 20 years later. He then turned an aerospace engineer for Northrop Company, which later turned Northrop Grumman, and different protection contractors. He labored on the B-2 Stealth Bomber, Norton stated.
His spouse Winnie Ruth died in 2004 aged 82. They have been married for 60 years.
Not lengthy after he left for hospice final Thursday, he instructed his granddaughter, “I'm able to go see Winnie Ruth.”
“I stated, 'It's OK, go house. Be with Jesus and be with Winnie Ruth,'” Norton stated. “'Tis all proper. Go away us. You've had such a superb and full life.
This April 28, 1944 household photograph exhibits Dick and Winnie Ruth Higgins on their marriage ceremony day in Lake Metropolis, Florida. Higgins, one of many few remaining survivors of the assault on Pearl Harbor, died on March 19, 2024 at 102 at his house in Bend, OR. (Angela Norton by way of AP)
There are actually 22 survivors nonetheless dwelling, stated Kathleen Farley, president of the California state Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Farley stated different survivors should be dwelling, however not all of them joined the Pearl Harbor Survivors Affiliation when it was based in 1958 and subsequently might not be acquainted with it.
About 2,400 troopers have been killed within the bombing that launched the US into World Conflict II. The battleship USS Arizona alone misplaced 1,177 sailors and marines, almost half of the casualties.
In line with a tough estimate compiled by navy historian J. Michael Wenger, there have been about 87,000 troops on Oahu on December 7.
Higgins is survived by two youngsters, two grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The household plans to carry a memorial service at a church in Bend on Thursday, adopted by a ceremony with full navy honors. His physique will then be flown to California, the place he might be buried subsequent to his spouse.
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