Seaman Stu Hedley was aboard the battleship West Virginia when he was nearly killed as torpedoes hit it. He had just witnessed the explosion of the USS Arizona and saw 32 bodies fly off the ship.
At age 94, the former seaman has dedicated the past several decades of his life to preserving the memory of that infamous day, speaking to schools, churches and business groups.

Most recently, Hedley visited Olympian High School in the Sweetwater District, speaking to more than 1,200 students. “If you can take anything away from my visit today, remember this. Stay in school. Do not quit under any circumstance.”

Hedley went on to express how important a college degree is needed for today’s generation. “With the way technology is advancing so quickly, obtaining a college degree is that much more necessary.”
Hedley also relayed his experiences during the historic attack. He talked about how he managed to escape when the 600-foot-long battleship was torpedoed. He escaped by jumping into the burning sea and swimming beneath the flames. More than 100 of his crew mates died that morning.

“When we went into the water, we went as deep as we could and we swam under water,” Hedley said. “We broke the surface twice, and that’s the hottest breath of air we ever breathed.”
According to Hedley there are only 18 Pearl Harbor Survivors left in San Diego. The once-young sailors are a fading group of San Diego County veterans who lived to tell about the attack that launched America into World War II.

“The moment we came around the bend, I could hear the bombs going off. I could see the ships blowing up. It was all replayed in my mind,” Hedley said.
After losing his wife two years ago, Hedley says he is committed to pouring into the younger generation. According to him, “They’re our future.”