July 5, 2025 Story by: Editor
George Franklin Bland Sr. was a sailor, a survivor, and a lifelong patriot whose memory is etched into the living legacy of Pearl Harbor and World War II. Born on July 4, 1922, in Burlington, North Carolina, Bland’s life was shaped by a defining moment in U.S. history: the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
He was serving aboard the USS West Virginia, one of the battleships struck during the attack that propelled the United States into World War II. Bland survived that harrowing day and went on to serve his country with distinction throughout the war and long after, as a proud Navy veteran and member of the Pearl Harbor survivor community.
Photo caption: George Bland is seen in close-up portrait and served as mess attendant on the USS West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of: The Family of George Bland/Frank Bland)
Aboard the USS West Virginia: A Witness to Infamy
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Bland was stationed aboard the USS West Virginia, docked at Pearl Harbor’s Battleship Row. Just before 8:00 a.m., the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise aerial assault that killed more than 2,400 Americans and plunged the United States into World War II. The West Virginia was hit by multiple torpedoes and bombs, sustaining catastrophic damage and eventually sinking in the harbor.
Amid the chaos, Bland survived. More than 100 of his shipmates did not.
The crew’s swift actions during the attack—fighting fires, rescuing trapped sailors, and defending the harbor with limited resources—saved many lives that morning. Those who survived, like Bland, carried the burden of both trauma and gratitude for the rest of their lives.
Their bravery bought time and saved others. And the ultimate sacrifice made by those who perished became the spiritual fuel behind America’s resolve to win the war.
A Legacy of Service and Remembrance
After the war, Bland returned to civilian life, raising a family and continuing to support fellow veterans. He remained deeply connected to the memory of Pearl Harbor and to those who did not make it home. He participated in numerous commemorative events and was an active member of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors (SDPHS)—an organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of the attack and those who served.
According to a 2021 tribute published by SDPHS, Bland was known not only for his service but for his humility, patriotism, and unwavering love for his country. He took particular pride in attending Pearl Harbor commemorations and remained active in veteran communities until his final years.
Final Rest and Reflection
George F. Bland Sr. passed away on December 2, 2012, just five days before the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was 90 years old. His funeral service was held in his hometown of Burlington, North Carolina, where he is buried. His legacy lives on through his family, his community, and the continued work of organizations like SDPHS that honor the memories of survivors.
Why George Bland’s Story Still Matters
As the number of living Pearl Harbor survivors continues to dwindle, remembering individuals like George Bland is more important than ever. His story is not just one of survival, but of long-term service—both in uniform and in the years that followed, when he helped keep the memories of those lost alive.
His life reminds us of the quiet dignity with which many from the “Greatest Generation” carried their burdens. And his birthday—July 4th, America’s Independence Day—serves as a poignant symbol of the freedom and the work needed to be done.
Sources: Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors – George F. Bland Sr.
