Bob Fernandez, a survivor of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, passed away at the age of 100. Fernandez was just a teenager when the Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the US naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
Fernandez was a member of the US Navy at the time of the attack and was stationed aboard the USS Arizona, a battleship that was one of the primary targets of the Japanese bombers. As the attack unfolded, Fernandez and his fellow sailors fought bravely to defend their ship and their country, despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned.
Tragically, the USS Arizona was hit by several bombs and torpedoes, causing a massive explosion that ultimately sank the ship. Fernandez was one of the lucky ones who managed to escape the sinking vessel, but he witnessed the loss of over 1,000 of his fellow crew members in the devastating attack.
After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fernandez continued to serve in the US Navy throughout the remainder of World War II. He went on to have a long and successful career in the military, eventually retiring as a decorated war hero.
In the decades following the war, Fernandez remained an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, sharing his story with others and ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who served at Pearl Harbor would never be forgotten.
Fernandez’s passing marks the end of an era, as the number of Pearl Harbor survivors continues to dwindle with each passing year. However, his legacy will live on through the stories he shared and the impact he made on those who knew him.
As we mourn the loss of Bob Fernandez, we also celebrate his life and honor his memory as a true American hero. His courage, resilience, and dedication to his country serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during one of the darkest days in American history. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.
