MARCH 26, 2026 – Pearl Harbor survivor and Navy veteran Freeman Johnson arrived in celebrity-like fashion at the Barnstable Adult Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts, March 18.
Johnson, one of the oldest survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was there to celebrate his 106th birthday.
He emerged from a black limousine amidst television news crews and photographers, aided by Barnstable police officer Brian Morrison, who assisted him into a wheelchair. The duo passed through a mixture of military service members and first responders who lined the sidewalk to salute Johnson as he approached the building’s entrance.
Sailors, firefighters, police officers and Coast Guard ROTC students from Barnstable High School were among those gathered to celebrate Johnson’s birthday and honor his military service.
Johnson was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and moved to Waltham when he was 5 years old. From there, he joined the Navy in 1939 at the age of 19.
After completing boot camp in Newport, Rhode Island, he was stationed on board his first ship, the Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS St. Louis, which was homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, at the time, but would later go to the Navy yard in Pearl Harbor for a maintenance period.
Johnson completed his six-year Navy career as a machinist mate first class, but he was a junior sailor with the rank of fireman the morning of Dec. 7, 1941.
In a 2025 interview with Pacific Historic Parks – USS Arizona Memorial, Johnson reflected on his experiences during the attack, recalling the events of that fateful Sunday morning.
“I was in my bunk when the whole thing started [at around] 7:56 in [the] morning,” Johnson said. “We’d already had breakfast, that was over. I heard the machine guns fire over my head, then [general quarters] started. Everybody on board has a specific spot they’re supposed to be in. So, I went to my spot.”
The Pearl Harbor attack accounted for 2,403 American deaths and 1,178 more wounded. The USS St. Louis was remarkably the only major ship to exit the harbor unscathed. Johnson’s ship managed to escape without suffering any casualties or major damage during the attack, earning it the nickname “Lucky Lou.”
Johnson’s story exemplifies bravery in the face of danger and inspired the sailors in attendance.
Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class Cullen McCarthy, a recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England, had the pleasure of serving Johnson a slice of cake after everyone sang “Happy Birthday.”
McCarthy grew up in Whitman, Massachusetts, just 30 miles from where Johnson did. He felt privileged to take part in honoring his shipmate and fellow New Englander.
“Well, it’s always awesome to get out into the community and get more involved, but especially when it’s something of this magnitude,” McCarthy said. “It’s the 106th birthday for Freeman, a true hero, local hero and national hero. It’s important for me to be able to get out here and get involved.”
Johnson’s birthday celebration gave everyone the chance to learn some naval history, and it provided a heartfelt connection with a veteran who served our country at a crucial hour.
Kelly Howley, director of the Barnstable Council on Aging, oversees Barnstable Adult Community Center, which hosted the event.
“Well, today was a wonderful day celebrating Freeman’s 106th,” Howley said.
“He’s a local celebrity here in Barnstable now, and it was an honor to be part of all of the military, first responders, town government and the well-wishers that came by to help celebrate his birthday.”
Organizing the birthday party was a joint effort, with State Rep. Kip Diggs and Veterans Outreach Services collaborating to plan the event.
Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England is responsible for the Navy’s enlisted and officer recruiting in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Eastern New York.
By Courtesy Story
Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England