Centerville’s Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivor

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CENTERVILLE, Mass. (AP) — On the day of the brutal attack on Pearl Harbor, Freeman Johnson was hard at work below deck, repairing a boiler on the USS St. Louis. Johnson, who is now 106 years old, did not witness the attack. He did not hear the antiaircraft guns or see the torpedo plane that was shot down. By the time he reached the surface, the St. Louis had already maneuvered past enemy submarines and made its way to safety at sea.

While all the commotion was happening topside, I was inside a steam drum. Couldn’t see anything, absolutely nothing, Johnson said. He resides in Centerville, Massachusetts, surrounded by memorabilia from his Navy service. His collection includes photos of the St. Louis, images of him as a young sailor, Navy challenge coins, and service ribbons. He still cherishes his dog tag.

As the cruiser sailed into the Pacific, Johnson, who worked as a fireman on the ship, was unaware of the attack’s magnitude. We were way out to sea, way out. You couldn’t see any land. All you saw was ocean, he recalled. Johnson emphasized that, as a sailor, he was not informed of everything. They don’t tell you anything if you don’t need to know.

When speaking to schoolchildren, Johnson is often asked if he was scared that day. He explains, You’re not scared. You’re too busy to be scared. Besides, you don’t know what you’re scared of. You can’t see anything. What are you afraid of?

Johnson became the oldest Pearl Harbor survivor after the passing of World War II Navy veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, who died at 105. With Schab and Clarence Lane both gone this year, only 11 survivors of the attack remain. The attack took the lives of over 2,400 US troops and pushed America into World War II. annually, a ceremony is held at Pearl Harbor to honor those lost.

In 1991, about 2,000 survivors attended the 50th anniversary event. Nowadays, only a few attend, with only two making it in 2024.

For most of his life, Johnson kept a low profile, rarely speaking of the attack. After all, he was one of numerous sailors present that day. His wife Ruth once tried to contact the Navy about his experience, but was met with laughter. In recent years, as the oldest living survivor, Johnson has drawn local attention. On his 106th birthday, he arrived by limousine and was greeted by media. Letters from around the globe call him a hero.

Despite his health challenges, including hearing loss and congestive heart failure, Johnson vividly remembers his wartime experiences. He recalls enlisting in the Navy at 19 to avoid the physical demands of the Army. No thanks. That’s why I joined the Navy, he said, comparing it to the arduous life of a soldier.

Johnson’s memories focus more on historical events he witnessed rather than battles. He helped commission the USS Iowa and was aboard during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s trip to meet with allied leaders at the Tehran Conference. Roosevelt’s ship featured special facilities for the president, and after picking him up, was lightened for its journey.

Johnson witnessed the war’s conclusion aboard the Iowa, observing the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay from the Iowa’s mast. I could see the boats coming up with the Marines escorting the Japanese, he said. It was all over. That was the end of the war. A bunch of us got together — the war is over. Let’s go home.

Today, Johnson is often accompanied by his daughter, Diane. Together they participate in Pearl Harbor remembrance events. Diane encourages her father to share his experiences, emphasizing his unique perspective.

Johnson’s public recognition increased a few years ago when Diane corrected a local news report that the last survivor in the state had died. He now leads Cape Cod’s St. Patrick’s Parade and receives praise for his positive spirit.

Despite the attention, Johnson sees events like Pearl Harbor as mere moments in his life. To him, the highlight was marrying his late wife and raising their daughters. He worked many jobs over his lifetime and retired from his last position at age 90.