HONOLULU (KHON2) — 102-year-old Pearl Harbor veteran Herbert Elfring, passed away on Saturday, May 25, in Michigan.
The U.S. Army veteran was one of the five survivors present at the 82nd Commemoration held on Dec. 7, 2023, at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
News of his passing was shared by ONE Stop Veterans Resource through a heartfelt post on Facebook.
“After a sudden illness, Herb departed for Heaven,” the organization announced. “Though his body grew weak, his spirit remained strong—he was cracking jokes with the nurses, making sure his WWII cap was on straight, and even inquired about the safety of his Pearl Harbor shirt until his last earthly moments.”
Elfring enlisted in the Army in 1940 as a private and was stationed at the Army’s 251st Coast Artillery short range radar station at Camp Malokole during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Despite initially mistaking the sounds of bombing for drills, he soon found himself face-to-face with the enemy as Japanese planes approached his radar station. Miraculously, he narrowly escaped harm when a Japanese pilot’s aim shifted at the last moment.
Throughout his military service, Elfring served in various locations, including Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines, ultimately attaining the rank of captain before his discharge in 1945.
Beyond his military duties, Elfring remained deeply engaged with Pearl Harbor, attending commemorations and events regularly.
His warm demeanor and penchant for bringing smiles endeared him to many, whether he was meeting key figures like National Park Service director Charles “Chuck” Sams or mingling with Rosie the Riveters at gatherings.
Moreover, Elfring’s commitment to serving veterans and fostering intergenerational connections was evident through his involvement in co-founding the ONE Stop Veterans group.
The organization, which offers a variety of projects and activities, aims to bridge the gap between generations and instill military values in youth.
Annie Callahan of ONE Stop fondly remembers Elfring’s passion for helping others.
“Herb didn’t want anyone to feel alone,” she remarked. “He was always there to inspire, support, or even give someone the push they needed.”
As arrangements for his funeral are being made, Elfring’s legacy of service and compassion will undoubtedly continue to inspire many.