Bob Fernandez

Biography and cause of death of Bob Fernandez

Robert Louie Fernandez (1924 – December 11, 2024) Bob Fernandez was an American veteran and a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Bob Fernandez Early life and war service

Born in San Jose, California, Fernandez enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1941 at the age of 17, and was stationed at the Pearl Harbor base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. He later stated that he was motivated to join the navy because he “wanted to see the world”. He was stationed on the USS Curtiss (AV-4) and, according to military records, served as a mess cook and ammunition loader.

Fernandez recalled awakening on the morning of the bombing, December 7, 1941, feeling “excited” to go dancing at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel later in the day, which was used by the United States military as a rest and recuperation center during the Second World War. While serving on the mess deck, Fernandez “began hearing bangs and gunshots”. He manned a battle station a few decks below, while passing ammunition to sailors on higher decks. When asked how he survived the bombing, he remarked “You just do what you’re told to do and do the best you can”.

Bob Fernandez Later life and longevity

After leaving the Navy in 1947, Fernandez worked as a forklift driver at a cannery in San Leandro, California. His wife of 65 years, Mary, with whom he had a step-daughter and two sons, died in 2014.

In 2016, Fernandez was interviewed by the History Channel for the television show Pearl Harbor: The Last Word. He had planned to visit Hawaii to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the bombing in 2024, but was unable to due to a decline in his health. A week before his death, he did a phone interview with Associated Press.

He died in Lodi, California, on December 11, 2024, at the age of 100. He was survived by his oldest son, Robert J. Fernandez, a granddaughter, and several great-grandchildren.

Following his death, an estimated 16 surviving service members remain, according to the organization Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Source: Wikipedia