Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Navagato: A Life of Service and Bravery

Frank Navagato, a 22-year-old corporal in the Army Air Corps, was stationed in Hawaii with the 86th Observation Squadron when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. His role as an aerial gunner brought him face-to-face with one of history’s most devastating events. Stationed at Bellows Field on that fateful Sunday, Navagato witnessed Japanese warplanes bombing and strafing his base. The harrowing scenes of his fellow U.S. pilots attempting to take off from Bellows Field, only to be downed by Japanese aircraft, haunted him deeply.

Bellows Field, located at Waimanalo Beach, held significant historical importance during the Pearl Harbor attack. It was not only a bombing target but also the site where the first Japanese prisoner of war was captured. After his submarine malfunctioned, a Japanese soldier ended up at Bellows Field, marking a pivotal moment as the war’s first POW. Navagato vividly recalled identifying the Japanese aircraft by their rising-sun insignias. He expressed disbelief that they would attack, given that diplomatic talks were still underway in Washington, D.C. Despite the shock, he and his comrades scrambled to find any available weapons to defend their base.
Navagato’s story, which he shared in 1998, highlights the chaos and bravery that unfolded in those early hours of World War II. “The planes were coming in so close you could hit them with a rock. We were all looking for weapons so we could shoot back,” he said, painting a vivid picture of the desperate fight for survival and defense.

Though Frank Navagato’s wartime bravery was remarkable, his contributions to his community and country extended far beyond the battlefield. Following his military service, Navagato returned to civilian life and became known as a dedicated humanitarian and active volunteer. His spirit of service continued long after the war, touching countless lives. Former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed once described Navagato as “more than a veteran,” emphasizing his commitment to helping others whenever he could.
Navagato’s legacy is deeply honored not only by his fellow servicemen and his community but also by his family, who viewed him as a guiding force in their lives. Christian Life Pastor Wayde Wilson remarked, “He was a true American hero, especially a hero to his family. He showed us how to live and live well.” Navagato embodied resilience and compassion, showing that heroism extends beyond wartime achievements to the everyday acts of kindness and dedication.

Frank Navagato’s life journey exemplifies the resilience and courage of Pearl Harbor survivors. His ability to overcome the traumatic memories of war and find meaning in service to his community serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. Navagato’s story continues to inspire, as he lived with integrity, courage, and compassion—a true embodiment of an American hero.
Today, as we remember the heroes of Pearl Harbor, Frank Navagato’s legacy stands as a beacon of service and sacrifice. His life serves as a testament to the strength and compassion that define the American spirit.