News Release

Passing of USS Arizona Survivor

Lou Conter dressed in his white Navy uniform from his early Navy  Days. Photo Credit © Conter The Lou Conter Story  January 7, 2021

Wheatmark Publishing

News Release Date: April 1, 2024

Contact: David Kilton

The National Park Service at Pearl Harbor National Memorial is sad to report the passing of the last USS Arizona survivor, Louis A. (Lou) Conter. Pearl Harbor Superintendent Tom Leatherman reflected, “The passing of Lou is the end of an era and so hard for the many of us who have gotten to know him over the years. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time.”

Conter was born in Ojibwe, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the Navy in 1939 and reported directly to the USS Arizona after boot camp. The morning of December 7th, 1941 Conter, was a Quartermaster third class and was on the back decks of the Arizona after the call to battle stations was sounded. Following the battleship sinking, he helped recover bodies and fought fires. He later served in New Guinea and Europe during WWII, eventually being selected for flight school and being trained as a pilot. Lou also served in the Korean War on the USS Bon Homme Richard. He retired from the navy as a Lieutenant Commander in 1967 after serving over 27 years.

After his military service, he became a Real Estate developer and married his second wife Valerie in California. Lou and Valerie shared 5 children and were married for 47 years, before she preceded him in death in January 2016. Lou Conter celebrated his 102nd birthday in September 2023.

“Now more than ever we must find a way to keep the legacy of Pearl Harbor, that Lou championed for so many years, alive. We owe it to him and all those who served and lost their lives to make sure they did not die in vain,” said Leatherman.

Superintendent Leatherman has authorized the flag flown at the USS Arizona Memorial will be flown at half-staff in honor of his life and service until the day of interment.