The passing of Leo George Allard, the last known survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, marks a significant moment in American history. Allard, a Navy first gunner’s mate, died on November 7, 2025, at the age of 103. His death leaves only about a dozen living survivors of the December 7, 1941, attack, a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of firsthand witnesses to this pivotal event.
This year’s remembrance ceremony at Pearl Harbor was particularly notable as it was the first time that no survivors attended. This absence underscores the accelerating loss of individuals who experienced one of the most defining moments in U.S. history. The official Twitter account of the USS Arizona reflected on this loss, stating, “We have lost so many over the past few years, and as few as 12 remain living today. From one generation to the next. Remember Pearl Harbor. Remember those lost.”
Allard was serving aboard the USS Reid during the attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,300 American service members and civilians. This devastating event led the United States to enter World War II, forever altering the nation’s trajectory. Following the war, Allard dedicated nine years to military service, leaving a legacy that would resonate long after his time in uniform.
His story gained renewed attention in 2022, when the Seattle Seahawks honored him during a home game. Thousands of fans celebrated his bravery as he was introduced on the field, a moment made even more special by the presence of his granddaughter, Danielle Pettit. Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “I wanted to scream it from the top of the mountains since I was a kid, so I guess I needed to call the Seahawks to get it done.”
The loss of Leo Allard signifies a transition long anticipated by historians and veteran organizations. As the number of survivors continues to decline, communities across the United States are increasingly turning to museums, oral histories, and digital archives to preserve their stories. This effort is vital in ensuring that the sacrifices made during the Pearl Harbor attack are not forgotten.
A funeral service for Allard is scheduled for December 17, 2025, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. The service will honor his military contributions and provide a final farewell to a man who represented a living connection to an event that reshaped American history. With his passing, the nation mourns yet another link to the past, reinforcing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during that fateful day.
