Pearl Harbor Navy salvage diver dies at 103
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Ken Hartle, who as a Navy diver during World War II had the grim task of retrieving bodies from ships sunk by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 103.
Hartle died Tuesday afternoon at an Escondido, California, center for people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, the San Diego Union-Tribune (http://bit.ly/2jnUNzC) reported Friday. A reporter was at his bedside with Hartle's son and daughter three hours before his death.
Hartle may have been the oldest surviving Pearl Harbor salvage diver, said David Ball of San Diego, an officer with the Navy Divers Association.
More: http://www.sfgate.com/news/us/article/Pearl-Harbor-Navy-salvage-diver-dies-at-103-10890385.php
The article goes on to say that he did some of his work before scuba diving equipment was common, he wore a canvas suit and a brass helmet, weighing nearly 200 lbs, 216 even, see link below!
A whole lot more in the referenced San Diego Tribune article:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/sd-no-navy-diver-20161222-story.html
