Harry Chandler, a Navy medic renowned for his heroic efforts during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, has passed away at the age of 103. He died on Monday at a senior living facility in Tequesta, Florida, as reported by his granddaughter's husband, Ron Mahaffee. Although Chandler experienced congestive heart failure, it was noted that his advanced age played a significant role in his passing.

As the third Pearl Harbor survivor to die in recent weeks, Chandler served as a hospital corpsman 3rd class on December 7, 1941, when waves of Japanese fighter planes launched a devastating assault on the naval base—marking a pivotal moment that thrust the U.S. into World War II. Reflecting on that fateful day, Chandler recounted, “I thought they were planes coming in from the states until I saw the bombs dropping.” His immediate instinct was to seek shelter, fearing a strafing attack.

During the chaos, Chandler and his unit transported the injured to safety via truck. He described working tirelessly to rescue men from the harbor’s treacherous, oil-laden waters, where he was able to drag wounded sailors aboard a rescue vessel. According to his oral history, while performing these duties, he was so engrossed in saving lives that he felt no fear. “It got so busy you weren’t scared... It was after you got scared,” he said.

The attack resulted in the deaths of over 2,300 U.S. servicemen, with nearly half of them aboard the USS Arizona, which sank within nine minutes after being bombed. Chandler attended the 82nd anniversary of the attack in 2023, where he expressed, “I look out there, and I can still see what’s going on. I can still see what was happening.” He highlighted the need for vigilance, stating, “Be prepared. We should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better.”

After the war, Chandler built a career as a painter and partnered with his brother to establish an upholstery business. He remained in the Navy reserves until retiring as a senior chief in 1981. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, he spent most of his life in South Hadley and later divided his time between Massachusetts and Florida. An avid golfer, he reportedly hit five hole-in-ones throughout his life.

Chandler is survived by a daughter, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Military historian J. Michael Wenger has estimated that approximately 87,000 military personnel were present on Oahu on the day of the attack. After Chandler’s passing, only 15 Pearl Harbor survivors remain, according to Kathleen Farley, chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Among those who died recently were Bob Fernandez, aged 100, and Warren Upton, who was 105.

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