One of the last four survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941 passed away last Tuesday at the age of 98.

Lauren Bruner was just 21 years-old when the Pearl Harbor attack took place. At the time, he was serving as the Fire Controlman 3rd Class in charge of the ship’s .50-caliber guns, and he was the second to last person to escape the burning ship.

Though 1,512 officers, sailors, and marines were on the USS Arizona at the time, only 335 survived the attack. Five bombs hit the ship during the attack, leaving Lauren and five other people stranded. Thankfully, they were able to escape by pulling themselves along a rope attached to another ship nearby.

It is with great sadness the we report the passing of Lauren Bruner. In 1941 Lauren Bruner was a Fire Controlman 3rd Class aboard USS Arizona. His passing now leaves 3 USS Arizona survivors that are still alive. Fair winds and following seas Lauren. We have the watch. #USSArizona pic.twitter.com/5Vpdbmayip

— USSArizona (@USSArizona) September 11, 2019

While Lauren was able to escape with his life, he was seriously injured, as he suffered from burns on over 73 percent of his body. After he recovered, Lauren was assigned to the USS Coghlan and  took part in eight major engagements in the Aleutian Islands and an additional seven operations in the South Pacific. He ended up being awarded a Purple Heart before he retired from the Navy in 1947.

The other three surviving crew members who were onboard the USS Arizona that day are Don Stratton, 97, Lou Conter, 98, and Ken Potts, 98. Don took to Facebook to honor his friend Lauren after his passing.

“It’s difficult to type these words and we are beyond heartbroken,” he wrote. “Fellow survivor, Lauren Bruner has passed away at 98. He along with Donald survived the attack on Pearl Harbor in the director of the USS Arizona, saved by Joe George. Lauren was always quick with a laugh and had a smile that would brighten an entire room. Lauren will truly be missed not just by us, but by the world. Rest in peace dear sailor. Your story will ALWAYS be remembered.”

“They were so young and they’ve seen so many things that people just can’t fathom today of what they did to keep our country safe,” added Don’s son Randy.

Lauren, who travelled to Hawaii many times over the years, is set to be interred alongside his fallen comrades on the USS Arizona.

“His passing is mourned by thousands of Americans and people across the world,” said Jay Blount, chief of interpretation and education at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. “I’ll never forget the joy and genuine nature of who he was as a person.”

Find out more about this incredible American hero in the video below.