World War II Navy veteran Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, one of last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, dies at 105

For decades, Schab carried those memories with humility, rarely placing himself at the center of the story, even as the number of Pearl Harbor survivors steadily dwindled.

A Life of Service Beyond the War

After the war, Schab continued to live a life rooted in service, family, and community. In later years, he became an important voice in preserving the memory of World War II and Pearl Harbor, speaking at events, schools, and commemorations when his health allowed.

Those who met him often described him as gracious, thoughtful, and deeply committed to ensuring that younger generations understood the cost of freedom.

Remembering a Vanishing Generation

As one of the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, Schab represented a generation whose firsthand experiences are rapidly fading from living memory. His death underscores the urgency of preserving their stories—of courage under fire, sacrifice, and unity during a time of global conflict.

Veterans organizations and historians alike have emphasized how invaluable these personal accounts are to understanding history beyond textbooks.