Reps. Kiley, McCaul, Bacon, Kim, and Bera Introduce Resolution Honoring Lou Conter, the Last Survivor of the Pearl Harbor Attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Don Bacon (R-NE), Young Kim (R-CA), and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) introduced a resolution honoring World War II veteran and retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

“Lt. Commander Lou Conter, the sole remaining survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack on the USS Arizona, is an American hero. On that fateful day, he evacuated his shipmates who were blinded, wounded, or burned, even restraining some of his fellow shipmates from jumping overboard into the burning sea,” said Rep. Kiley. “He continued to serve our country for decades following Pearl Harbor, and has always strived to honor the memory of those who lost their lives. I am tremendously proud to represent Commander Conter in Congress, and grateful for the bipartisan support for recognizing his service and heroism.”

“Lt. Commander Conter represents the best of this nation,” said Rep. McCaul. “His courage — along with that of so many from the greatest generation, including my own father — saved countless lives and defeated immeasurable evil. Today we honor this great American hero and remember all those who fought so that we could live free from tyranny and oppression.”

“We must remember our history and our heroes,” said Rep. Bacon. “We are honored to recognize an American hero, Lieutenant Commander Louis Conter for his service and bravery, those who perished on the USS Arizona for their sacrifice, and remember those survivors who have since died. We owe them thanks for the freedom we enjoy today. May we never forget their sacrifices.”

“As a wife and sister of U.S. veterans, remembering the sacrifice of our service members, veterans, and their families is personal to me. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the one remaining survivor on the USS Arizona Navy Ship that sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This resolution ensures Lieutenant Commander Louis A. Conter, who lives in California, and his fellow sailors — those who survived and those who made the ultimate sacrifice — will not be forgotten,” said Rep. Kim. “I will never forget the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in our nation‘s uniform. Our veterans and service members are heroes, and I’ll fight to make sure we always honor their dedicated service in Congress.”

“I am privileged to stand alongside my colleagues in paying tribute to Lieutenant Commander Louis Conter, a true American hero and the last living survivor of the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. His courage and resilience in the face of one of the most devastating moments in our history exemplify the spirit of our nation,” said Rep. Bera, M.D. “As we reflect on the sacrifices made by Lou and his fellow servicemen, let us also remember the enduring importance of unity and freedom in our nation’s history.”

Click here to read the text of the resolution.

Background: Lou Conter acted heroically, saving the lives of many of his shipmates on December 7, 1941. He served in Europe during WWII, and later in the Korean War on the USS Bon Homme Richard. He retired from the navy in 1967 after serving 23 years, as a Lieutenant Commander. He currently resides in Grass Valley, California, in the 3rd Congressional District.

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