Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Ken Hartle.

Ken served in the Navy during World War II.

He served as a salvage diver in Pearl Harbor following the attacks on December 7, 1941. He retrieved bodies and materials from the depths of the harbor while donning 200 pounds of diving equipment.

After the war, he settled in Buena Park, California, and later became a chicken breeder in Valley Center in northern San Diego County.

Later in life, he survived colon and prostate cancer and underwent six heart bypass surgeries.

Ken passed away last week. He was considered the oldest surviving Pearl Harbor salvage diver.

We honor his service.


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

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