One of the few remaining survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor has died at 102

Richard C. “Dick” Higgins, one of the last surviving Pearl Harbor attack witnesses, passed away at the age of 102 in Bend, Oregon, due to natural causes, according to his granddaughter Angela Norton.

Higgins served as a radioman stationed at a Hawaii naval base during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. In a 2008 interview with the National Museum of the Pacific War, he recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing Japanese planes bombing the base from his barracks.

Norton described her grandfather as humble and kind, often visiting schools to share his Pearl Harbor and World War II experiences to educate others about history. She emphasized his selflessness and referred to those who didn't return from the war as the true heroes.

Born near Mangum, Oklahoma, Higgins joined the Navy in 1939 and later worked as an aeronautics engineer for defense contractors, contributing to projects like the B-2 Stealth Bomber. His wife, Winnie Ruth, passed away in 2004 after 60 years of marriage.

Reflecting on his legacy, Norton mentioned Higgins' readiness to join his late wife after entering hospice, highlighting his peaceful acceptance of the end of a fulfilling life.

With Higgins' passing, only 22 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack remain, according to Kathleen Farley from the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Higgins is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with plans for a memorial service and military honors ceremony followed by burial in California next to his wife.