Ira "Ike" Schab was an American World War II veteran and U.S. Navy sailor. He was one of the last surviving servicemen present during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.
Early life
Schab was born on 4 July 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of three brothers. He joined the United States Navy at 18, following in his father's footsteps. == World War II ==
World War II
At age 21, Schab served aboard the as a musician and sailor. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, he helped pass ammunition to anti‑aircraft guns. His ship lost three sailors in the assault. During the Pearl Harbor attack, Schab witnessed the capsizing of the USS Utah, later recalling that he was "startled and scared to death". ==Career==
Career
After the war, Schab studied aerospace engineering and worked as an electrical engineer for General Dynamics, contributing to the United States' Apollo space flight program. Beyond his technical contributions, Schab often spoke about how his wartime experiences shaped his determination to pursue a career that supported America's scientific and defense achievements. ==Death==
Death
Schab died at his home in Beaverton, Oregon, on 20 December 2025, with his family by his side. He was 105. At the time of his death, there were only about a dozen survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack still living. ==See also==