The last remaining survivor of the USS Arizona, Lou Conter, has passed away at the age of 102 in his home in Grass Valley, California. Conter's daughter Louann Daley confirmed the news, stating that he peacefully departed on Monday.

Conter dedicated his life to ensuring that the public would never forget the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, where the USS Arizona battleship sank, resulting in the loss of 1,177 lives. Through interviews, a book, and attending various services, Conter shared his firsthand experiences, shedding light on the aftermath of the bombing that left many survivors with severe injuries.

During the attack, Conter was on the deck of the USS Arizona when a Japanese armor-piercing bomb struck the ship's hull, igniting one million pounds of gunpowder stored within. In his autobiography, "The Lou Conter Story: From USS Arizona Survivor to Unsung American Hero," Conter vividly described the chaos and the harrowing efforts to rescue and provide aid to his fellow crew members.

Out of the 335 crew members who survived the USS Arizona sinking, Conter was the last survivor. The previous survivor, Ken Potts, passed away at the age of 102 in Provo, Utah, last year. The loss of Lou Conter has been deeply felt by the community, with Aileen Utterdyke, president and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks, describing it as a "heartbreaking loss."

Conter's service continued beyond Pearl Harbor. He became a VP-11 Black Cat pilot, flying night operations to stay hidden from enemy ships during World War II. Despite surviving two shootdowns, including a terrifying ordeal surrounded by sharks off the coast of New Guinea, Conter's commitment to his country never wavered. He later became an intelligence officer and played a significant role in establishing the Navy's first SERE program (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape).

His dedication and expertise in military intelligence led him to serve as a military adviser to Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. After 28 years of service, Conter retired in December 1967.

Conter's legacy extends beyond his military achievements. On his 100th birthday, he pinned his World War II pilot wings on his great nephew, US Marine Capt. Ray Daniel Hower. Although unable to attend the ceremony, Conter's influence was acknowledged, with Hower proclaiming that the freedom, opportunity, and prosperity enjoyed today are a direct result of his service and heroism.

Born in northern Wisconsin in 1921, Lou Conter was the middle child in his family. Throughout his life, he lived in various places, including New Mexico, Denver, and Kansas. Enlisting in the Navy shortly after turning 18, Conter humbly rejected the label of hero, stating that true heroes were the ones who lost their lives that fateful day, sacrificing everything while he and his comrades were fortunate enough to return home, start families, and carry on their legacies.

Lou Conter's passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and a deep dedication to honoring the sacrifices made during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His unwavering determination to keep the memory alive will forever be remembered by future generations.