Retired World War II Navy veteran, Chief Warrant Officer George Lair, was recently honored by the Oregon Health Care Foundation’s Senior Wishes Forget-Me-Not program for his 28 years of Navy service

“Larry,” as George Lair was known to everyone around him, was aboard the USS Nevada Dec. 7 1941.  Nevada was in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for shore leave en route to Bremerton, Wash. when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. 

Larry and his brother Jerry Lair, were on deck of Nevada when the attack occurred.  Despite being badly damaged, the USS Nevada survived. 

Following the attack, the brothers were separated and served aboard different ships for the remainder of the war.

Lair, two brothers, and his son Jim have served the U.S. Navy for a combined service of over 100 years. All of them were “Mustangs”, meaning they initially enlisted in the military and later reached officer status. Larry’s son, Jim Lair, attained the rank of vice admiral. 

Larry now lives in Town Center Village, an independent living facility in Portland, Ore., who’s mission is “enhancing lives and celebrating the excitement of living.” He was recommended for the Senior Wishes program by the facility staff who said they enjoy honoring the residents just as much as the residents enjoy being honored. 

Senior Wishes honored Larry with a certificate for his Navy service, presented by Cmdr. Jami Mason, commanding officer of Naval Operations Support Center Portland. 

“I am glad to be involved and meet someone who gave so much and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Mason said, “It is very inspirational.”

Larry also received a flag flown over the U.S. capitol and a whole new set of Navy uniforms.  He said he plans on wearing a set when he sails into Portland aboard one of the visiting Navy ships during this year’s Portland Rose Festival. 

“This was a great day for me and it brought back a lot of fond memories” Larry said.