For Immediate Release:
SPRINGFIELD, VA, Lou Conter, the final survivor of the U.S.S. Arizona, the Navy battleship famously sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, passed away at the age of 102 at his residence in Grass Valley, California. His daughter Louann Daley confirmed that he was in the presence of family and passed away peacefully.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Lou’s passing and we celebrate and honor his indomitable spirit that endured throughout his remarkable 102-year journey,” articulated Kevin Kline, Executive Director of the U.S.S. Arizona Operation 85. “With his departure and the absence of surviving U.S.S. Arizona veterans to recount the narrative, the responsibility now falls upon the shoulders of family members to perpetuate the legacy and stories of the entire U.S.S. Arizona crew for posterity. We look forward to doing just that through the efforts of family members and the dedicated work of ‘Operation 85’.”
During the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Conter, then a 20-year-old quartermaster, played a vital role in rescuing fellow crewmen. Tragically, 1,177 of his fellow Arizona crewmembers lost their lives that day, many of whom remain entombed on the ship with their names memorialized on the USS Arizona Memorial. Conter was one of the fortunate 335 crew members who survived the attack, eventually becoming the last surviving member. The second-to-last survivor, Ken Potts, passed away in Provo, Utah, last year at the age of 102.
Conter’s military career was marked by remarkable resilience and service. He served as a VP-11 Black Cat pilot in World War II and survived two shoot-downs, including one off the coast of New Guinea where he and his crew faced the peril of sharks. Post-World War II, Conter transitioned into an intelligence officer role, participating in combat missions during the Korean War. He is highly respected in the military intelligence community for establishing the Navy’s inaugural SERE program (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape). Conter’s expertise led him to serve as a military adviser to Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. His legacy and contributions endure within military circles and beyond.
“Operation 85” will assist and follow the lead of our partner Pacific Historic Parks. Funeral Arrangements are pending.
