Ike Schab
American World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor (1920–2025)
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Ira "Ike" Schab (4 July 1920 – 20 December 2025) 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.[1]
4 July 1920
- U.S. Navy sailor
- electrical engineer
Ike Schab | |
|---|---|
Schab in 2024 | |
| Born | Ira Schab 4 July 1920 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | 20 December 2025 (aged 105) Beaverton, Oregon, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | One of the last surviving Pearl Harbor attack veterans |
| Children | 2[1] |
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.[1]
World War II
At age 21, Schab served aboard the USS Dobbin (AD-3) 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.[1][2]
During the Pearl Harbor attack, Schab witnessed the capsizing of the USS Utah, later recalling that he was "startled and scared to death".[3]
Career
![](#/media/File:Ira_"Ike"_Schab_Jr.webp)
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.[1] His work at General Dynamics involved supporting projects that advanced the nation's aerospace capabilities during the height of the space race.[1]
Colleagues described him as meticulous and disciplined, qualities that reflected his Navy background and made him a valued member of engineering teams.[4]
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.[1]
Death
Schab died at his home in Beaverton, Oregon, on 20 December 2025, with his family by his side. He was 105.[1] In the years before his death, he continued to attend Pearl Harbor commemorations including the 83rd anniversary in December 2024 at age 104.[5] At the time of his death, there were only about a dozen survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack still living.[1]