The Lou Conter Story: From USS Arizona Survivor to Unsung American Hero

by Louis A. Conter, Annette C. Hull, Warren R. Hull

The Lou Conter From USS Arizona Survivor to Unsung American Hero tells the incredible story of one of the last remaining survivors of the USS Arizona . More than just a recollection of the events that transpired in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, this book also records the author's memorable experiences before and after the Day of Infamy. Conter was on the USS Arizona deck when a Japanese armor-piercing bomb hit one million pounds of gunpowder stored in the ship's hull. He helped rescue crewmen following the explosion and dove into the wreckage to recover bodies in the days after. In 1942, Conter went to flight school where he earned his wings and became a VP-11 Black Cat pilot. He helped rescue over two hundred Australian Coastwatchers stranded in northern New Guinea and was shot down twice -- once swimming with his crew while sharks circled. Conter also helped rescue over two hundred Australian shore watchers up the Sepik River in New Guinea. After World War II, he became an intelligence officer, flew combat in Korea, created the Navy's first SERE program (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape), and served as a military advisor to presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson. Lou Conter shares his Pearl Harbor experiences with high school students throughout Northern California, and he returns to the USS Arizona every December to take part in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day activities to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. In 2019, Conter was one of only three remaining crew members out of the 335 who had survived the attack on the USS Arizona . He was the only survivor able to attend the memorial event.

Genres: Nonfiction, World War II

239 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2021

Reviews

[Steve Sarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very special review for me of a wonderful book and story.

Why?

To start, it is a fascinating memoir by a truly great American from the Greatest Generation.

Most noteworthy, the author happened to be on the stern of The USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941, the day that will “live in infamy”.

Furthermore, as of this writing (April 2021) he is one of just two surviving crew members from that battleship on that fateful day.

And most personally important for me is that Mr. Conter happens to live in my small hometown and I have had the privilege of meeting him several times.

In addition to telling a riveting story of the actual attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Conter’s life story covers other fascinating accounts of WW2 battles and heroic actions by him as a Naval Aviator plus the development of Special Forces and early days of what has become the Navy SEALS. Along with many military tales, there’s interesting periods covered on the growth in real estate and development in Los Angeles , stories from Hollywood and more elements of his long and rich life.

Anyone interested in World War Two, Pearl Harbor, Naval aviation and Special Forces will appreciate this first hand account of a man who lived and did it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved his story, but the book needs to be proof read - spell check doesn't catch everything.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at my fathers request. I am glad I did. I learned more about WWII and Korea and the military than I ever knew. It is a great book to read.

[Mark D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quintessential American

Plain-spoken and straight from the heart. I enjoyed this American sailor's story immensely. God bless Lou Conter and all the men and women of the Greatest Generation.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

This is a MUST read. I will recommend this book to everyone i know. His story along with others really need to be remembered and honored. This book will help any and all never forgot what happened on that terrifying day.

[Andy Biggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

PHX-DCA

[Nancy Bostwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest generation. Amazing life

[Deanna Maddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real down-to-earth story of a man’s life. He tells his story in such a humble way that you almost forget that he is a hero in his own right.

[Marianne]

Amazing true story, what a courageous person.

[colleen bucco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good because it tells you things that only someone that was on the uss Arizona would know how it felt and what came after he survived it

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a must read to appreciate true patriotism.