
Pearl Harbor Veteran's Remains Identified After 80 Years, Receives Full Military Honors
Pearl Harbor survivor Richard C. "Dick" Higgins, a radioman during the attack, has passed away at 102, leaving behind a legacy.

Richard C. "Dick" Higgins, one of the few remaining survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, has passed away at the remarkable age of 102. He died of natural causes at his home in Bend, Oregon, on Tuesday, as confirmed by his family on Wednesday.
Service at Pearl Harbor
Higgins served as a radioman in a patrol squadron of seaplanes stationed at the Hawaii naval base during the infamous attack on December 7, 1941. Detailing the harrowing experience, Higgins recounted in a 2008 oral history interview how he witnessed the Japanese planes dropping bombs, while he was inside a screened-in lanai on the third floor of his barracks.
He vividly remembered the moment a plane flew directly over his barracks, recalling the striking red circular emblem on the wings and fuselage of the Japanese aircraft. His firsthand account provides a chilling insight into the events of that fateful day.
A Humble and Kind Man
Described as a humble and kind man, Higgins was known for sharing his experiences with younger generations, visiting schools to recount stories of Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the Great Depression. His granddaughter, Angela Norton, highlighted his selfless nature, emphasizing that he aimed to impart historical knowledge to prevent its repetition.
Born on July 24, 1921, near Mangum, Oklahoma, Higgins joined the Navy in 1939 and dedicated 20 years to the service before retiring. Later, he pursued a career as an aeronautics engineer, contributing to projects such as the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
A Lasting Legacy
With the passing of Higgins, the number of Pearl Harbor attack survivors now stands at 22, according to Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. These survivors play a crucial role in preserving the memory of the historic event, ensuring that the sacrifice of the fallen is never forgotten.
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the loss of approximately 2,400 servicemen, propelling the United States into World War II. Notably, the USS Arizona battleship alone suffered the loss of 1,177 sailors and Marines, marking a significant portion of the total casualties.
Final Honors
Higgins is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The family intends to hold a memorial service at a church in Bend, followed by a ceremony with full military honors. After the service, his body will be flown to California, where he will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Winnie Ruth.
While the nation bids farewell to yet another hero of the Greatest Generation, the memory of Dick Higgins, alongside his fellow survivors, will endure as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism.
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