Bay Area Veterans Share World War II Memories Amid Decline

Time is critical for the last living U.S. veterans of World War II, as their stories and experiences risk fading into history. Among them is Robert Heiss, who at 102 years old—soon to be 103—spends his days at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville. A former aircraft technician, Heiss embodies the spirit of a generation that lived through one of the most transformative periods in global history.

Heiss recalls December 7, 1941, vividly. Awakened by his father with the news of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he understood that his life was about to change forever. “On the West Coast, we were all scared we could be next,” he reflected, emotions surfacing as he remembered the fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation.

The urgency of preserving the memories of these veterans is underscored by statistics from the National WWII Museum, which estimates that approximately 45,518 U.S. veterans of World War II are still alive, all now in their 90s or older. California holds the highest number, with an estimated 10,703 survivors. If trends continue, this number is expected to dwindle to just over 5,000 by 2030, and by 2044, researchers predict there will be no surviving veterans from this pivotal conflict.

Honoring Heroes Through Storytelling

In the Bay Area, various organizations are springing into action to honor the remaining veterans. Initiatives range from offering dream flights to commemorations at sites like Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, which celebrates the contributions of women who worked in factories while men fought overseas.

For Heiss, the act of sharing his story has become a means of coping with the loss of his wife, Betty, a Navy veteran. Together, they began documenting their wartime experiences in a book titled “The Wonderful Life of Bob and Betty Heiss.” After Betty’s passing in 2009, Heiss completed the project on his own. “The book became a distraction for me as I was grieving,” he said. He printed about 60 copies, ensuring that his family and friends would have a tangible connection to their shared history.

His pride in sharing his experiences is palpable. “It makes me feel proud to be a part of the Greatest Generation,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Another veteran, Steve James, a retired financial analyst and Vietnam War veteran, is dedicated to preserving his father’s legacy. His father, Ernest E. James, served during World War II, and Steve’s childhood memories of his father’s vivid stories around the campfire inspired him to take action.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as he found himself confined at home, Steve sifted through a box filled with his father’s wartime memorabilia. This collection included uniforms, letters, maps, and newspaper clippings. “I was looking through the box at his stuff and said, ‘this has to be preserved,’” James recalled, emphasizing the need to keep these memories alive.

James donated the collection to the Contra Costa Historical Society in Martinez, where Executive Director Leigh Ann Davis expressed her enthusiasm: “As a historian, it feels like a dream come true to be able to create a space where these documents can live forever.”

Creative Expressions of War

While Heiss was ensuring planes were operational, fellow veteran James A. Scott, also a resident at the Yountville veterans home, was documenting moments of war through art. At 103 years old, Scott enlisted in 1942 and sketched portraits of fellow Marines while stationed in the Pacific. His artistic expressions serve as poignant reminders for families of their loved ones who served.

Reflecting on the patriotism of his era, Scott noted, “It was an important time in our history because everyone felt patriotic at that time, and that’s something people don’t know about anymore.” His sketches, many of which were not sent home, are now preserved at the Library of Congress, ensuring that his artistic contributions to history are not forgotten.

As the last of the World War II veterans continue to share their stories, the Bay Area stands as a testament to their sacrifices and resilience. The combined efforts of individuals and organizations aim to honor these heroes, ensuring their legacies endure long after they are gone.