By: Hawaii Tours
Pearl Harbor is a sacred place. Following the tragic attacks of December 7, 1941, the site has remained as an active Naval base, though it serves dual purpose as one of the most visited sites in Hawaii. As the years have gone by, survivors of the attacks have returned for ceremonies and events honoring their service and the tragedy that struck the island of Oahu that day. Today, there are 3 remaining survivors from that fateful day, the recent passing of Lauren Bruner leaving the world without one of the brave heroes from a treasured generation in American history.
Annually, ceremonies are held to remember and honor the attacks and Mr. Bruner was a regular attendee of those events. Born in 1902, he enlisted in the Navy in 1938 and was assigned to the USS Arizona as a fire controlman in charge of the ship’s .50 caliber guns. While the battleship was hit with 4 bombs, Bruner, who had been manning his post, was hit in the leg. As the ship started to sink, he and 5 others were stranded on the ship, with the only escape coming after a hand over hand grapple across a 70 foot rope to a nearby ship. The bravery heroism displayed on that day by Lauren Bruner and all those who fought will never be forgotten.
Lauren Bruner passed away at the age of 98, known by friends and family for his humor and smile. He co-authored a book that was published in 2017 entitled “Second to Last to Leave the USS Arizona.” He will be interred within the USS Arizona Memorial, becoming one of the final crew members whose remains will rest within the wreckage of the battleship. We salute Lauren Bruner for his service and sacrifice to his country.
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