Ken Potts

Howard Kenton Potts (April 15, 1921 – April 21, 2023) was an American World War II veteran, who was aboard the USS Arizona BB-39 when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. Prior to his death, Potts was one of two known surviving members of the Arizonas crew at the time of the attack.

Life

Navy Potts was born on a farm in Honey Bend, Illinois. On October 4, 1939, the 18-year-old enlisted into the U.S. Navy, and was assigned to the USS Arizona on December 31, 1939, as a crane operator.

Later on after the attack, Potts was assigned to the Port Director's Office.

Potts died on April 21, 2023, at the age of 102. He was the penultimate USS Arizona survivor and flags were flown at half-mast through April 28 to honor him at the Pearl Harbor memorial.