Conter, the final residing survivor from the USS Arizona (BB-39), which sank through the assault on Pearl Harbor, died peacefully in his dwelling on the age of 102. Whereas full navy honors have been performed by Sailors from Navy Reserve Heart (NRC) Sacramento, Marines from Fight Logistics Battalion 23, and a flyover from Strike Fighter Squadrons 125 & 151, conversations about Conter’s enduring legacy permeated the a whole lot in attendance.
“Lou Conter represents the perfect of America via his instance of service, patriotism, and braveness. These beliefs, so frequent with Lou’s era, are nonetheless an inspiration for right this moment’s Sailors and Marines,” stated Rear Adm. Richard Brophy, Chief of Naval Air Coaching. “I’m honored to have been invited, on this closing flight of his life, as a consultant of the service for which he has sacrificed a lot for.”
Along with surviving the Arizona assault, Conter went on to fly over 200 missions within the South Pacific and was shot down twice. Conter continued on to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, served on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) through the Korean Struggle, skilled with Army particular forces, and accomplished Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) coaching.
Based on Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Morgan Danfelt, NRC Sacramento funeral honor element coordinator, Sailors sought out alternatives to help with Conter’s memorial service any means they may.
“There have been much more palms concerned with this service than we typically see. We had quite a lot of Sailors who have been very desirous to be part of this as a result of it’s an honor,” stated Danfelt. “All of us wished to do completely the easiest job we might to supply a memorable service for his members of the family”
After receipt of the folded American flag from Brophy, Louann Daley, Conter’s daughter and subsequent of kin, expressed the significance of the navy in each her and her father’s life. “We couldn’t have gotten via it with out the help of the navy. The navy was such an enormous a part of his life. This was the ultimate salute. We have been so blessed to have him for 102 years.”
Conter was laid to relaxation subsequent to his spouse Valerie.
