Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who participated in the rescue efforts at Pearl Harbor after the 1941 Japanese attack, passed away at the age of 103. He is remembered for his bravery and selflessness in treating the wounded amidst the chaos and devastation of the attack.
Harry Chandler , a U.S. Navy medic who played a crucial role in rescuing injured sailors from the wreckage of Pearl Harbor after the devastating 1941 Japanese attack, has passed away at the age of 103. Chandler died on Monday last week at a senior living center in Tequesta, Florida, surrounded by his family. According to Ron Mahaffee, the husband of his granddaughter Kelli Fahey, Chandler suffered from congestive heart failure.
He was the third Pearl Harbor survivor to die in recent weeks, highlighting the dwindling number of witnesses to this pivotal moment in American history.Chandler served as a hospital corpsman 3rd class on December 7, 1941, when waves of Japanese fighter planes descended upon the naval base, unleashing a catastrophic surprise attack that propelled the United States into World War II. As he was raising the flag that morning at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights, overlooking the base, Chandler witnessed the approaching planes. Initially believing them to be American aircraft, his perception shifted dramatically as he observed the bombs raining down upon the unsuspecting battleships in the harbor. He recounted his experience in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, stating his immediate instinct was to seek cover and flee for safety. He described hearing the roar of machine guns and the chilling realization that they were under attack by a foreign enemy.His unit, along with other medical personnel, responded swiftly, rushing down to the harbor to provide aid to the wounded. Chandler vividly remembered boarding a boat to pull injured sailors from the turbulent waters, his actions etched forever in his memory. The harbor was a scene of chaos and destruction, coated in oil from the burning ships. He diligently washed the sailors clean after extracting them from the water, driven by his unwavering commitment to saving lives. In that moment of turmoil, fear was a distant emotion, overshadowed by the urgency of their mission. He emphasized that the intensity of their work prevented him from allowing fear to consume him. 'It got so busy you weren’t scared. Weren’t scared at all. We were busy. It was after that you got scared,' he stated.Chandler's memories were profoundly reawakened during a 2023 ceremony commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor bombing. Recounting his experience, he shared that he could still vividly see the events unfolding before him, as if time had stood still. In his view, the attack served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilant intelligence gathering. 'Be prepared,' he urged Americans, emphasizing the need to learn from history and remain ever vigilant against future threats. Following the war, Chandler embarked on a fulfilling civilian life. He worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger, eventually venturing into the world of upholstery with his brother. He also served in the Navy reserves, retiring as a senior chief in 1981. Chandler, a Massachusetts native, dedicated most of his adult life to South Hadley. In his later years, he divided his time between Massachusetts and Florida. A passionate golfer, he achieved the remarkable feat of scoring five hole-in-ones during his lifetime. Chandler's legacy extends beyond his military service and professional achievements. He was a devoted family man, leaving behind a loving wife, five children, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren
HARRY CHANDLER PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR OBITUARY WWII NAVY MEDIC JAPANESE ATTACK RESCUE EFFORTS
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