Bob Fernandez

Robert Fernandez
Birth nameRobert Louie Fernandez
Born1924 (1924)
San Jose, California, U.S.
Died (aged 100)
Lodi, California, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1941–1947
RankSeaman First Class
UnitUSS Curtiss (AV-4)
Battles / wars
Spouse(s)
Mary Fernandez
​
(died 2014)​
Children2
Other workForklift driver

Robert Louie Fernandez (1924 – December 11, 2024) was an American veteran and a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Early life and war service

Born in San Jose, California, Fernandez enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1941 at the age of 17, and was stationed at the Pearl Harbor base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu.[1] He later stated that he was motivated to join the navy because he "wanted to see the world".[2] He was stationed on the USS Curtiss (AV-4) and, according to military records, served as a mess cook and ammunition loader.

Fernandez recalled awakening on the morning of the bombing, December 7, 1941, feeling "excited" to go dancing at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel later in the day, which was used by the United States military as a rest and recuperation center during the Second World War.[1] While serving on the mess deck, Fernandez "began hearing bangs and gunshots". He manned a battle station a few decks below, while passing ammunition to sailors on higher decks. When asked how he survived the bombing, he remarked "You just do what you’re told to do and do the best you can".[1]

Later life and longevity

After leaving the Navy in 1947, Fernandez worked as a forklift driver at a cannery in San Leandro, California. His wife of 65 years, Mary, with whom he had a step-daughter and two sons, died in 2014.[3]

In 2016, Fernandez was interviewed by the History Channel for the television show Pearl Harbor: The Last Word.[4] He had travelled to Hawaii three times to participate in remembrance of the attack, and had planned to visit in 2024 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the bombing, but was unable to due to a decline in his health.[5] A week before his death, he did a phone interview with Associated Press.[6]

He died in Lodi, California, on December 11, 2024, at the age of 100.[7] He was living with his nephew at the time of his death, having been in his care since 2022 following a dementia diagnosis.[1] He was survived by his oldest son, Robert J. Fernandez, a granddaughter, and several great-grandchildren.[3]

Following his death, an estimated 16 surviving service members remain, according to the organization Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.[1][8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Nostrant, Rachel (December 14, 2024). "Bob Fernandez, Who Survived Pearl Harbor as a Teenager, Dies at 100". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 15, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  2. ^ "Bob Fernandez, 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, dies 83 years after bombing". The Boston Globe. December 15, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Bob Fernandez, 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, dies peacefully at home 83 years after bombing". CNN. December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  4. ^ "Robert Louie Fernandez Collection". Library of Congress. Archived from the original on December 15, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  5. ^ "100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor recalls confusion and chaos during Japanese bombing 83 years ago". New York Post. December 7, 2024. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
  6. ^ "2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack". The Associated Press. December 8, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  7. ^ "Bob Fernandez, 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, dies peacefully at home 83 years after bombing". Indiana Gazette. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  8. ^ Elassar, Alaa (December 7, 2024). "A legacy of valor: Only 16 Pearl Harbor survivors remain. On the 83rd anniversary, they still share stories of heroism". CNN. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.