Staff Reports
In a somber turn of events, one of the remarkable survivors of the historic Pearl Harbor attack has crossed over into the great beyond. Richard Clyde Higgins, a dedicated radioman who bravely faced the Japanese onslaught on that infamous day of December 7, 1941, bid farewell in his granddaughter’s cozy abode at the ripe old age of 102. Resting peacefully after a life well lived, Higgins breathed his last due to natural causes, as reported by the renowned publication The New York Times.
One Of Pearl Harbor’s Last Remaining Survivors Dies At The Age Of 102 https://t.co/KysLCAJmrE via @DailyCaller
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Higgins, a humble soul hailing from the heartland of Oklahoma, first graced this world on July 24, 1921, before embarking on a noble journey of service by joining the prestigious Navy in 1939. His steadfast dedication to duty exemplified the values of patriotism and honor that should inspire each and every freedom-loving American today.
Survived by his loving granddaughter, Angela Norton, Higgins’s legacy radiates brightly through the memories cherished by his adoring kin. Norton fondly reminisced about her grandfather’s unwavering commitment to preserving the tales of valor from his fellow servicemen, a testament to his selfless spirit and unwavering dedication to our great nation. In the eyes of true heroes like Higgins, the word “hero” is a mantle worn only by the fallen, a humble acknowledgment of sacrifice made for the greater good.
Honoring Higgins’s indomitable spirit, one must not forget the magnitude of the devastation unleashed upon Pearl Harbor that day, where nearly 20 ships, 300 planes, and over 2,400 American souls met their untimely end. The cruel echoes of war reverberated through Higgins’s recollections, as he vividly recalled the harrowing sight of Japanese insignia emblazoned on the enemy aircraft, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in American history.
As the nation reeled from the treacherous attack, Higgins valiantly maneuvered amidst the chaos, courageously saving aircraft from the inferno of exploding fuel tanks. Such acts of heroism seamlessly intertwined with his resilient spirit, a beacon of hope amid the dark clouds of adversity that loomed large over the land of the free.
Through the annals of time, Higgins’s unwavering fortitude endured, transcending through the trials of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, only to emerge as a symbol of resilience and strength to generations to come. His loving union with Winnie Ruth in 1944 bore witness to a legacy that extended beyond his mortal coil, leaving behind a son, a daughter, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren as living testaments to a life well-lived.
In parting, as we bid adieu to a gallant warrior of yesteryears, let us remember the sacrifice, valor, and unwavering dedication embodied by Richard Clyde Higgins. May his memory be forever etched in the annals of American history, serving as a guiding light for all who seek to honor the brave souls who fought and bled for the freedoms we hold dear.
