Robert “Bob” Fernandez of Stockton celebrated his 100th birthday on July 11 with family and friends at Whirlow’s Tossed and Grilled restaurant in Stockton.
Fernandez is the last Pearl Harbor survivors still living in the Stockton area.
At 100, Fernandez’s memory is fading. He couldn’t believe he was 100-years old but he still seemed to be looking forward to it.
When he had his picture taken he would say “Hold on to that for next year."
About 50 guests filled the Miracle Mile restaurant to show their love and respect for the WWII veteran.
City and county officials presented Fernandez with proclamations honoring his contributions during the war and acknowledging his reaching 100. People lined up to wish him a happy birthday and to have their pictures taken with him. When the color guard from the VFW Luneta Post 52 marched in with flags Fernandez solemnly stood and placed his hand over his heart.
Fernandez loves Jazz standards and dancing with the ladies. He got to sing a song with his nephew Joe Guthrie and his band during the party.
On Dec. 7, 1941, then 17-year old Robert “Bob” Fernandez was serving on the seaplane tender U.S.S. Curtiss as a mess mate in the ship’s galley.
During breakfast service a loud explosion was heard and a ship’s alarm sounded. Everyone, including Fernandez, raced to their battle stations. A Japanese zero flew so close to the ship’s deck he could see the face of the pilot as he scrambled to his station.
Once there, he helped load ammunition for the ships’ 6-inch guns and after the battle stood guard over a kamikaze plane that had crashed into the Curtiss’ deck.
This article originally appeared on The Record: San Joaquin County Pearl Harbor veteran turns 100
Most Popular
Comments / 0