ARIZONA NEWS

Pearl Harbor survivor, WWII hero Jack Holder dies in Chandler at age 101

Feb 27, 2023, 11:11 AM | Updated: Apr 10, 2023, 9:44 am

Jack Holder (Photos via Facebook/Pearl Harbor National Memorial)...

Jack Holder (Photos via Facebook/Pearl Harbor National Memorial)

(Photos via Facebook/Pearl Harbor National Memorial)

PHOENIX — Jack Holder, a Pearl Harbor survivor and World War II hero who settled in Chandler, has died at age 101.

Holder died Friday at the Chandler Regional Medical Center, according to a post on the Pacific Historic Parks Facebook page by Darlene Tryon, a close friend of Holder and executor of his estate.

Pacific Historic Parks is a nonprofit group that supports several historic sites, including Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial Facebook page also posted about Holder’s death.

Holder was born to a farming family in East Texas and joined the Navy in 1940 when he was 18. He was on duty at Ford Island within Oahu’s Pearl Harbor when Japanese aircraft bombed the U.S. naval base there on Dec. 7, 1941.

“I saw the [USS] Oklahoma turn turtle-up, I saw guys swimming through burning oil in the water,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM in 2020.

“I guess the most vivid remembrance I have is thinking ‘God, please don’t let me die in this ditch.’”

More than 2,000 U.S. military personnel, including more than 1,000 aboard the USS Arizona, were killed in the attack, prompting the U.S. to enter World War II.

Holder went on to fly more than 100 missions during the war, including at the Battle of Midway.

“Jack was an incredible man, a patriot who served his country with distinction and honor,” Tryon wrote. “After surviving the Pearl Harbor attack, he fought in key Pacific battles that turned the tide of the war.”

Holder published a memoir titled “Fear, Adrenaline, and Excitement” in 2016.

In December 2021, Valley nonprofit Grounded No More took the war hero on an honor flight out of Mesa’s Falcon Field to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Holder will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced, Tryon said. A memorial service is being planned for Phoenix in early April.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Phoenix news stories first cases of Arizona bird flu among humans...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Dec. 6-8

From the first cases of bird flu found in Arizona residents to a high-end Mexican restaurant coming soon to Phoenix, here are some of the Valley's top news stories from Dec. 6-8.

34 minutes ago

4 Arizona Cities, Phoenix in top 50 best for singles...

Payne Moses

4 Arizona cities crack top-50 best for singles, Phoenix ranked 23 in study

Valley residents have reason to believe love is possible this holiday season, as four Arizona cities made the top 50 best for singles with Phoenix coming in 23rd.

3 hours ago

Phoenix car collision motorcyclist dead from injuries...

Payne Moses

Motorcyclist dies after rear-ending car in north Phoenix

A male motorcyclist died after striking the back of a car in north Phoenix on Sunday, authorities said.

3 hours ago

The Arcadian, a new community of upscale town home units, will be opening soon in Phoenix....

David Veenstra

Sales begin at The Arcadian town homes community in Phoenix

The Arcadian, a new community of upscale town home units, will be opening soon in the Valley and will include Juliet balconies and rooftop patios.

5 hours ago

Goodyear shooting...

Payne Moses

Goodyear shooting, hit-and-run leaves 3 in critical condition at large party

Three people were left in critical condition after a Goodyear shooting and hit-and-run on Saturday night, according to authorities.

7 hours ago

SkySong Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center...

Payne Moses

Scottsdale’s SkySong lands Yelp deal, experiences wave of leasing activity

SkySong, the massive Scottsdale mixed use development, recently roped in San Francisco-based tech giant Yelp.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

Pearl Harbor survivor, WWII hero Jack Holder dies in Chandler at age 101