Pearl Harbor Survivor Alvin Mays Dies at 96

Alvin Mays, a Pearl Harbor survivor, passed away at the age of 96 on October 10, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades of service and personal storytelling. For years, Mays shared his first-hand experiences of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack with the residents of Augusta, Georgia, becoming a cherished figure in his community. His death marked the loss of one of the last living links to that tragic day in history.

Alvin Mays, born and raised in the United States, enlisted in the Army at just 18 years old, ready to serve his country during a time of rising global tensions. Assigned to the 21st Infantry, 24th Division, Mays was initially stationed at Pearl Harbor as a mechanic—a position that, unusually, did not require basic training. Reflecting on this unusual assignment in an interview with The Augusta Chronicle, Mays shared that his role was part of the Army’s efforts to motorize its infantry. His account of this time in his life was a testament to the hurried nature of military preparation before the outbreak of the war.

When December 7, 1941, dawned, Mays was stationed at Schofield Barracks, located near the infamous Pearl Harbor. Although Schofield didn’t bear the brunt of the attack, it was still heavily impacted by the proximity to Wheeler Field, which was struck by the Japanese forces. Mays vividly recalled walking out of the mess hall that morning, only to be greeted by the distant sounds of bombing and the chaotic noise of war erupting around him.

“We were lucky,” Mays said in the interview. “The planes came in low, striking the 21st Infantry, but we had no casualties.” His story highlighted the near-miss that occurred at Schofield Barracks, where the attack could have been even more devastating. The fear and tension of that morning remained with him throughout his life.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mays’ service continued on the front lines of the War in the Pacific. Deployed to Australia and later the Philippines, he fought bravely against the Imperial Japanese forces. Mays survived the brutal battles and returned home after the war, but the memories of Pearl Harbor would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Mays’ remarkable ability to survive and then share his experiences with others made him a pillar of his community in Augusta, Georgia. He never hesitated to recount his story, and his reflections were often filled with keen insights into the events of December 7, 1941. One of his more compelling accounts involved the widespread fear among those stationed at Pearl Harbor.
“If they’d have been smart, they would have invaded the whole island. They could have taken it in 24 hours,” Mays once remarked, reflecting on the vulnerability of Oahu in those early hours of the war.

Alvin Mays was more than just a survivor of Pearl Harbor—he was a storyteller, a community leader, and a symbol of resilience. His commitment to sharing his experiences kept the memory of Pearl Harbor alive for countless people in his community, and his voice was a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by those who lived through that dark chapter in American history.
Alvin Mays’ passing marked the end of an era for many in Augusta, but his legacy will continue to resonate through the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories of a pivotal moment in American history that he witnessed firsthand.
As we remember Alvin Mays, we honor the courage of all those who survived Pearl Harbor, and we ensure that their stories will never be forgotten.