Ira “Ike” Schab, a World War II Navy veteran, recently passed away at the age of 105. He was one of the last living witnesses to the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. His death signifies the dwindling number of survivors from this pivotal moment in history, leaving around a dozen alive today.
Born on July 4, 1920, in Chicago, USA, Ira Schab was the eldest of three brothers. He enlisted in the US Navy at 18, inspired by his father’s military service. At just 21 years old during the Pearl Harbor attack, Schab was serving aboard the USS Dobbin and played the tuba in the ship’s band. Little did he know that his peaceful Sunday would soon turn chaotic.
What began as a serene morning quickly escalated into chaos. Schab had just finished showering and was awaiting a visit from his brother, stationed nearby. Suddenly, alarms sounded for fire rescue. Upon reaching the deck, he was greeted by the horrifying scene of the USS Utah capsizing, with Japanese fighter planes attacking the naval base.
Recalling the moment, Schab stated, “The sailors were startled and scared to death,” unsure of their fates amidst the assault.
In response to the attack, Schab swiftly went below deck to gather ammunition. He joined a chain of sailors passing shells to an anti-aircraft gun, defending their ship. Although the USS Dobbin remained afloat, three sailors tragically lost their lives, underscoring the dangers faced by support vessels during warfare. Despite surviving, Schab refrained from discussing this traumatic experience for many years.
Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Schab served extensively in the Pacific theater during World War II, participating in military operations in locations such as the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), the Mariana Islands, and Okinawa, Japan. After the war ended in 1945, he returned to civilian life, pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. He later worked as an electrical engineer with General Dynamics, contributing to the Apollo space program, which played a crucial role in landing astronauts on the Moon.
As the number of Pearl Harbor survivors dwindled, Schab felt compelled to honor his fellow servicemen. He frequently traveled from his home in Beaverton, Oregon, to participate in the annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony in Hawaii. For the 2024 commemoration, he dedicated weeks to building his strength to salute in remembrance.
Q1. Who was Ira “Ike” Schab?
Answer: Ira “Ike” Schab was a World War II Navy veteran known for surviving the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. He served on the USS Dobbin and later contributed to the Apollo space program.
Q2. What happened on December 7, 1941?
Answer: On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise military strike on Pearl Harbor, leading to significant US naval losses and prompting the United States to enter World War II.
Q3. What role did Schab play during the attack?
Answer: During the Pearl Harbor attack, Schab helped defend his ship, the USS Dobbin, by collecting ammunition and passing shells to an anti-aircraft gun crew.
Q4. How did Schab contribute after the war?
Answer: After World War II, Schab pursued aerospace engineering and worked with General Dynamics, where he was involved in the Apollo space program, contributing to lunar missions.
Q5. Why is Pearl Harbor remembrance important?
Answer: Pearl Harbor remembrance is crucial to honor the sacrifices of those who served and to reflect on the impact of the attack on US history and military engagement.
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